My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1: 2-4 NKJV
The first time I read James 2 I about closed my bible in frustration. Here was James, the brother of our Lord Jesus telling us to "consider it all joy" when we fall into the various trials that are associated with everyday life here in our human world. Hey James, walk a mile in these shoes then come and tell me about your joy! Forget the fact that the author was more than likely persecuted before and after losing his own brother on a Roman cross. How can some guy who I never even met give me advice on the pain in my life?
So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6: 16-17 NKJV
To my knowledge, very few people have seen the legions of angels who have been tasked with protecting Gods children in their times of need. The prophet Elisha's companion in 2 Kings 6 was a different story however. This young man awoke that morning to the sight of the enemy army encamped around his city. Of course, one thing he DIDN'T see was just how many of the heavenly hosts were arrayed in his defense. That is, until Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened. It's no secret that we will all endure hardship in our lives, scripture assures us of this fact.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of the lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-11 NKJV
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a unique perspective on coming through the trials we will most certainly face in our daily lives. Yes, we are "crushed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down" yet there is a purpose here, that the life of our Lord Jesus may be manifested in our earthly bodies. Whoa! How special is this? Well, think about having the Lord Jesus always close at hand as you encounter troubles in your life. Well, that help is closer than you think. For if the life of our risen Christ resides within us, we never walk through life alone!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
I suggest a new twist on Philippians 4:13 here. Not only does Jesus strengthen us, Jesus IS OUR STRENGTH. For if Christ indeed dwells within we who have accepted him, then the strength we draw is from Him. In other words we...become He! Now, what power in all of the universe can overcome Him who can summon legions of angels? That is some pretty heavy stuff, as we go through life, we go through AS JESUS who is in us. I don't know about you, but I don't think I'd have it any other way.
~Scott~
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Spiritual But Not Religious
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me."
John 14:1 NKJV
There are many sects of christianity these days. We have Lutherns, Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists among others. I've often wondered just why there are so many different branches of the same christian tree. It would seem that any time there is a disagreement in a church, people will leave and began a new congregation. Just where this new congregation will land ideologically is anyones guess. One would hope that the seed God planted would continue to grow. One of the largest sects of modern religion are those among us who will say that they are "Spiritual but not religious." While I respect people's choice of the religion they choose, I have difficulty accepting the concept of spirituality without religion. If I am at all spiritual, do I not believe in someone/somethinng? After all, we humans have made a habit of creating religion out of a number of things that we believe in. These days we have religions based on nature, oceans, the sky and even a nirvana perfect society. Obviously those who practice these beliefs believe in something?
I've recenntly befriended a few people who claim that nature is their religion, which has led to a few interesting yet friendly conversations. It seems that my friends feel very content and "spiritual" while communing in nature. Now, I love nature. In fact, my dear friend and mentor have tackled many a Northwest hiking trail and plan on many more. Do I base my religious beliefs on the wilderness we venture into? Well, yes and no.
In the begining God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 NKJV
Do I believe that there is spirituality in Gods creation? Absolutely, but I also believe that all that we see was created by our heavenly Father as the scriptures tell us. I've heard many of the "Big bang theories" of just how the world could have been created by natural means spontaneously. Let's just assume that some molecular level event suddenly led to a massive, life creating episode. Following this thinking, just what created the molecule that led to this event? From my experience, things are not created spontaneously from absolutely nothing. Either there needs to be a source material for the begining of all creation, or indeed something miraculous has occured. Obviously, I'm of the belief that God created all that we see.
One thing I will agree on, is that God is present in all that we see. In fact, as my friend pointed out this past summer, nature is the very expression of Gods wonders. From the trees and oceans that we see, they testify to the wonderful works of the Living God of the universe.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:3 NKJV
~Scott~
John 14:1 NKJV
There are many sects of christianity these days. We have Lutherns, Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists among others. I've often wondered just why there are so many different branches of the same christian tree. It would seem that any time there is a disagreement in a church, people will leave and began a new congregation. Just where this new congregation will land ideologically is anyones guess. One would hope that the seed God planted would continue to grow. One of the largest sects of modern religion are those among us who will say that they are "Spiritual but not religious." While I respect people's choice of the religion they choose, I have difficulty accepting the concept of spirituality without religion. If I am at all spiritual, do I not believe in someone/somethinng? After all, we humans have made a habit of creating religion out of a number of things that we believe in. These days we have religions based on nature, oceans, the sky and even a nirvana perfect society. Obviously those who practice these beliefs believe in something?
I've recenntly befriended a few people who claim that nature is their religion, which has led to a few interesting yet friendly conversations. It seems that my friends feel very content and "spiritual" while communing in nature. Now, I love nature. In fact, my dear friend and mentor have tackled many a Northwest hiking trail and plan on many more. Do I base my religious beliefs on the wilderness we venture into? Well, yes and no.
In the begining God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 NKJV
Do I believe that there is spirituality in Gods creation? Absolutely, but I also believe that all that we see was created by our heavenly Father as the scriptures tell us. I've heard many of the "Big bang theories" of just how the world could have been created by natural means spontaneously. Let's just assume that some molecular level event suddenly led to a massive, life creating episode. Following this thinking, just what created the molecule that led to this event? From my experience, things are not created spontaneously from absolutely nothing. Either there needs to be a source material for the begining of all creation, or indeed something miraculous has occured. Obviously, I'm of the belief that God created all that we see.
One thing I will agree on, is that God is present in all that we see. In fact, as my friend pointed out this past summer, nature is the very expression of Gods wonders. From the trees and oceans that we see, they testify to the wonderful works of the Living God of the universe.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:3 NKJV
~Scott~
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Its About Time
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Galations 4: 4-7 NKJV
There are plenty of passages in scriptue about the Lords timing. Amonng those is Galations 4:4, which tells us that God sent forth his Son Jesus to redeem us...in the fullness of time. God could have certainly hatched his plan for our redemption much earlier, but this was his timing and not ours. That's usually the way it works it seems, I'll be waiting for a word, a whisper, an answer, something from God. Usually, the longer it is I wait, the more anxious I become, it's our nature. As I become more anxious, the more I feel God is not working, that my Heavenly Father has somehow abandoned me. Again, I'm thinking that's our nature. We've been spoiled into expecting results in a microwave speed world. Patience doesn't seem to work too well with me at times. Our God doesn't work that way.
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3: 8-9 NKJV
Yes, God could have fulfilled his redemption plan earlier, but how many souls would have been lost as a result? Yes, God could have responded to my calls earlier, but would I have seen where he was leading me had he done that? Not only is a thousand years as one day to our Lord, but his timing is by far better than ours. Can I deny that my human clock is inferior to God's who can see everything past, present and future? After all, my own track record for having bad timing is pretty good so far. How can I say that my timing is better than the creator of all the universe?
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb; When I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; When I fixed my limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, "This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!"
Job 38: 4-10 NKJV
The title for the begining of Job 38 in my bible states "The Lord Reveals His Omnipitance To Job." Here's Job who, when satan comes calling one day, God introduces him as "My servant Job." A man who scripture describes as upright and blameless. We all know the story of Job as one of Gods restoration of a faithfull Job and his family. However, Jobs councel in the midst of his trial was hardly uplifting, for even his beloved wife urged him to "Curse God and die!" It is in answer to Jobs' companions questions concerning his God that we get the wisdom of Job 38. As Jobs companions questioned God, God now questions Job in a huge way. I love Job 38 for those times when I have questioned Gods timing or efforts, which is usually the result of my own impatience. As God questioned Job, my impatience leads him to inquire of me as well. Where was Scott when God layed the foundations of the world? Surely he knows? Humbly, I accept that my impatience cannot and will not promote my Lord to work any faster. For it is because of his love for me that his perfect timing is brought forth, in the fullness of time.
~Scott~
Galations 4: 4-7 NKJV
There are plenty of passages in scriptue about the Lords timing. Amonng those is Galations 4:4, which tells us that God sent forth his Son Jesus to redeem us...in the fullness of time. God could have certainly hatched his plan for our redemption much earlier, but this was his timing and not ours. That's usually the way it works it seems, I'll be waiting for a word, a whisper, an answer, something from God. Usually, the longer it is I wait, the more anxious I become, it's our nature. As I become more anxious, the more I feel God is not working, that my Heavenly Father has somehow abandoned me. Again, I'm thinking that's our nature. We've been spoiled into expecting results in a microwave speed world. Patience doesn't seem to work too well with me at times. Our God doesn't work that way.
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3: 8-9 NKJV
Yes, God could have fulfilled his redemption plan earlier, but how many souls would have been lost as a result? Yes, God could have responded to my calls earlier, but would I have seen where he was leading me had he done that? Not only is a thousand years as one day to our Lord, but his timing is by far better than ours. Can I deny that my human clock is inferior to God's who can see everything past, present and future? After all, my own track record for having bad timing is pretty good so far. How can I say that my timing is better than the creator of all the universe?
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb; When I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; When I fixed my limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, "This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!"
Job 38: 4-10 NKJV
The title for the begining of Job 38 in my bible states "The Lord Reveals His Omnipitance To Job." Here's Job who, when satan comes calling one day, God introduces him as "My servant Job." A man who scripture describes as upright and blameless. We all know the story of Job as one of Gods restoration of a faithfull Job and his family. However, Jobs councel in the midst of his trial was hardly uplifting, for even his beloved wife urged him to "Curse God and die!" It is in answer to Jobs' companions questions concerning his God that we get the wisdom of Job 38. As Jobs companions questioned God, God now questions Job in a huge way. I love Job 38 for those times when I have questioned Gods timing or efforts, which is usually the result of my own impatience. As God questioned Job, my impatience leads him to inquire of me as well. Where was Scott when God layed the foundations of the world? Surely he knows? Humbly, I accept that my impatience cannot and will not promote my Lord to work any faster. For it is because of his love for me that his perfect timing is brought forth, in the fullness of time.
~Scott~
Killing Our Giants
Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Isreal, and he said to them, "Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us." And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Isreal this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." When Saul and all Isreal heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
1 Samuel 17: 8-11 NKJV
The Bible tells us that this Philistine, this Goliath that faced the armies of Isreal that day was a mountain of a man. He was huge by the description of the scriptures. I have no reason to doubt that picture. I think back, now, to a few of the troubling situations that I've faced in my life and I think I could equate a good number of them to facing off against my own Goliath. The symbolism here is pretty impressive, there is my troubling situation before me, daunting as it is at the time. This goliath of mine is faced by a servant of the living God, the battlefield is set.
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Isreal, whom you have defied. "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Isreal. "Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17: 45-47 NKJV
Here's David, the shepherd boy and future king of all Isreal defying the arrogant Philistine and answering his challange. Of course, we all know how this battle played out. David the Shepherd boy took down the mighty Goliath with just a stone and a sling. One of historys first underdog stories. In fact, had our modern day Vegas bookies been involved they probably would have given poor David something like 500-1 odds to defeat the Philistine that faced him. Some people would have definately gotten rich off of this battle! There is, however, a catch here.
We often think of David slaying his Goliath with just his sling, stones and the God of Isreal. We do well to remember this, for this is how scripture tells this story. However, when it comes to our facing our own Goliaths, the strategy is not us with God, but God within us that defeats our adversaries.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Galations 2:20 assures us that we who are in Christ NEVER face our Goliaths on our own. Not only is the living God with us in our struggles, but Christ himself, who dwells within us, fights our battles for us. Christ is not the source of our strength, He IS our strength! With Jesus dwelling within us, we have access to his holy power each day. What problem we ever face can overcome that? We make the mistake of seperating he who is our strength and help, when He is within us the entire time.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
Whatever trials we encounter, the battle is never ours, but Christ who is in us.
~Scott~
1 Samuel 17: 8-11 NKJV
The Bible tells us that this Philistine, this Goliath that faced the armies of Isreal that day was a mountain of a man. He was huge by the description of the scriptures. I have no reason to doubt that picture. I think back, now, to a few of the troubling situations that I've faced in my life and I think I could equate a good number of them to facing off against my own Goliath. The symbolism here is pretty impressive, there is my troubling situation before me, daunting as it is at the time. This goliath of mine is faced by a servant of the living God, the battlefield is set.
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Isreal, whom you have defied. "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Isreal. "Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17: 45-47 NKJV
Here's David, the shepherd boy and future king of all Isreal defying the arrogant Philistine and answering his challange. Of course, we all know how this battle played out. David the Shepherd boy took down the mighty Goliath with just a stone and a sling. One of historys first underdog stories. In fact, had our modern day Vegas bookies been involved they probably would have given poor David something like 500-1 odds to defeat the Philistine that faced him. Some people would have definately gotten rich off of this battle! There is, however, a catch here.
We often think of David slaying his Goliath with just his sling, stones and the God of Isreal. We do well to remember this, for this is how scripture tells this story. However, when it comes to our facing our own Goliaths, the strategy is not us with God, but God within us that defeats our adversaries.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Galations 2:20 assures us that we who are in Christ NEVER face our Goliaths on our own. Not only is the living God with us in our struggles, but Christ himself, who dwells within us, fights our battles for us. Christ is not the source of our strength, He IS our strength! With Jesus dwelling within us, we have access to his holy power each day. What problem we ever face can overcome that? We make the mistake of seperating he who is our strength and help, when He is within us the entire time.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
Whatever trials we encounter, the battle is never ours, but Christ who is in us.
~Scott~
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
A Matter Of Faith
You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!
James 2:19 NKJV
What is it that gives us faith? What is it that keeps our faith alive? Does God somehow turn his back to us if our faith falters? I don't believe that a loving God would suddenly turn his back on his children if we suddenly struggled in our faith. This is something we've been struggling with for ages. I figure God is used to his children struggling with our faith by now. Now, I guess I should point out the important fact that I "struggle" with my faith and not "reject" my faith. I still believe. As James 2:19 tells us, I believe God is there, yet even my enemies the demons believe there is a God, and tremble!
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God, so that the things that are seen were not made of things which are visible. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must beileve that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV
I recall reading a traslation of Hebrews 11:1 that stated that our faith is the "conviction" of things not seen. We are CONVINCED of that which we hope for will come to pass. This is a conviction, a inner trust that God will present to us that which we are hoping. I love Hebrews chapter 11 for it's description of the faith I sometimes feel I'm struggling with. The writer does a wonderful job of putting things back in perspective, and I've turned to these verses often. I am CONVINCED that the world around me was created from nothing, by God. It is this trust that our God exists that is the basis of our belief, our faith. Abraham, Noah and Sarah, by faith the elders of old claimed a good testimony of which we often read in Gods word. They believed in their holy God and were CONVINCED that what God promised would come to pass. To them there was no question. God said it, they believed it!
One thing that I can be assured of in those times that my faith is weakened is that my faltering faith DOES NOT erase the thousands of years of the promises God has kept.
But Moses' became heavy; so they took a stone and placed it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Exodus 17:12 NKJV
Moses was weary, his faith may have been shaken. It was his brother Aaron and Hur who , in his time of need strengthened him and uplifted him. It's in those times where I find myself with a struggle in my faith, that my brothers around me will often uplift me and call to God in prayer on my behalf. It's not that I refuse to believe that my God has deserted me or suddenly turned his back on me. No, his love for me is stronger than that. I believe in God and what he has done and can do. It's a matter of faith.
~Scott~
James 2:19 NKJV
What is it that gives us faith? What is it that keeps our faith alive? Does God somehow turn his back to us if our faith falters? I don't believe that a loving God would suddenly turn his back on his children if we suddenly struggled in our faith. This is something we've been struggling with for ages. I figure God is used to his children struggling with our faith by now. Now, I guess I should point out the important fact that I "struggle" with my faith and not "reject" my faith. I still believe. As James 2:19 tells us, I believe God is there, yet even my enemies the demons believe there is a God, and tremble!
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God, so that the things that are seen were not made of things which are visible. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must beileve that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV
I recall reading a traslation of Hebrews 11:1 that stated that our faith is the "conviction" of things not seen. We are CONVINCED of that which we hope for will come to pass. This is a conviction, a inner trust that God will present to us that which we are hoping. I love Hebrews chapter 11 for it's description of the faith I sometimes feel I'm struggling with. The writer does a wonderful job of putting things back in perspective, and I've turned to these verses often. I am CONVINCED that the world around me was created from nothing, by God. It is this trust that our God exists that is the basis of our belief, our faith. Abraham, Noah and Sarah, by faith the elders of old claimed a good testimony of which we often read in Gods word. They believed in their holy God and were CONVINCED that what God promised would come to pass. To them there was no question. God said it, they believed it!
One thing that I can be assured of in those times that my faith is weakened is that my faltering faith DOES NOT erase the thousands of years of the promises God has kept.
But Moses' became heavy; so they took a stone and placed it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Exodus 17:12 NKJV
Moses was weary, his faith may have been shaken. It was his brother Aaron and Hur who , in his time of need strengthened him and uplifted him. It's in those times where I find myself with a struggle in my faith, that my brothers around me will often uplift me and call to God in prayer on my behalf. It's not that I refuse to believe that my God has deserted me or suddenly turned his back on me. No, his love for me is stronger than that. I believe in God and what he has done and can do. It's a matter of faith.
~Scott~
Monday, December 28, 2015
Under New Ownership
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the holy spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
What is your thought process when you purchase something? When I do, I'm in possesion of something that is now MINE. Of course, if it's something important I'll hang on to the receipt just in case it's needed later, but for the most part, I now own this item. We make thousands of these transactions each and every year. Depending on our income level, we may buy more or we may buy less. See, in our society, purchasing something now signifies ownership. Then again, if we're successful enough, we may be fortunate enough to own our own business. Once that happens, we get a entirely differnt view of buying and selling. Sure, we'll still buy things we want and need, but now our focus is having others buy what we're selling. I've seen plenty of businesses with "Closed" signs outside that didn't quite make it. However, I've also seen many new businesses with a different sign of "Under New Ownership." It's this situation that got me thinking about our relationship with Jesus.
We accept the fact that Christ died on that cross for us, but something else happened on that day. See, when Jesus gave his very life for us on the cross, our bodies as well as his underwent a transformation. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that, when Christ died for our sins, we ourselves were bought and paid for with his shed blood. What does that mean? Well, obviously there must have been a transfer of ownership if Jesus purchased our bodies. Who was that former owner? Does he regret his decision and try to return to claim what was once his? I believe that former owner of our earthly bodies was none other that satan, the "prince of the power of the air."
Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will surely not die. "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Genesis 3: 4-5 NKJV
We've all heard the story of the fall in the garden, but this moment is important as I believe this is where satan took ownership of us. Thus, Gods plan for our redemption were now needed. This doesn't mean that Gods love and mercy were no longer with us because of our sin, for it was BECAUSE of Gods love and mercy that he saved us and reclaimed us for himself at the cross.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NKJV
So, what was once under that former ownership, has now been purchased by the blood of Jesus! We are no longer sinners saved by grace, but a new creation in Christ! Does that mean our "former" owner doesn't still come around seeking entrance into what was once his? YES, the prince of the power of the air will continue to return to try to convince us that he is still the legitimate owner. However, as 1 Corinthians 6:19 proves to us, we've been bought at a price and we're now under new ownership! The old owner may still return to claim what was once his, but the price for us WAS NOT paid by him but by our Lord Jesus.
~Scott~
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
What is your thought process when you purchase something? When I do, I'm in possesion of something that is now MINE. Of course, if it's something important I'll hang on to the receipt just in case it's needed later, but for the most part, I now own this item. We make thousands of these transactions each and every year. Depending on our income level, we may buy more or we may buy less. See, in our society, purchasing something now signifies ownership. Then again, if we're successful enough, we may be fortunate enough to own our own business. Once that happens, we get a entirely differnt view of buying and selling. Sure, we'll still buy things we want and need, but now our focus is having others buy what we're selling. I've seen plenty of businesses with "Closed" signs outside that didn't quite make it. However, I've also seen many new businesses with a different sign of "Under New Ownership." It's this situation that got me thinking about our relationship with Jesus.
We accept the fact that Christ died on that cross for us, but something else happened on that day. See, when Jesus gave his very life for us on the cross, our bodies as well as his underwent a transformation. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that, when Christ died for our sins, we ourselves were bought and paid for with his shed blood. What does that mean? Well, obviously there must have been a transfer of ownership if Jesus purchased our bodies. Who was that former owner? Does he regret his decision and try to return to claim what was once his? I believe that former owner of our earthly bodies was none other that satan, the "prince of the power of the air."
Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will surely not die. "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Genesis 3: 4-5 NKJV
We've all heard the story of the fall in the garden, but this moment is important as I believe this is where satan took ownership of us. Thus, Gods plan for our redemption were now needed. This doesn't mean that Gods love and mercy were no longer with us because of our sin, for it was BECAUSE of Gods love and mercy that he saved us and reclaimed us for himself at the cross.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NKJV
So, what was once under that former ownership, has now been purchased by the blood of Jesus! We are no longer sinners saved by grace, but a new creation in Christ! Does that mean our "former" owner doesn't still come around seeking entrance into what was once his? YES, the prince of the power of the air will continue to return to try to convince us that he is still the legitimate owner. However, as 1 Corinthians 6:19 proves to us, we've been bought at a price and we're now under new ownership! The old owner may still return to claim what was once his, but the price for us WAS NOT paid by him but by our Lord Jesus.
~Scott~
Sunday, December 27, 2015
A Higher Calling
"For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a strnger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed me; Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe you? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to you? And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me."
Matthew 25: 35-40 NKJV
It's no secret that our Lord Jesus did not come to dwell us to fullfill some self serving agenda. No, Christ came to serve pure and simple. For what better measure of selflessness is there than giving ones life for others? Here on earth we call such people heroes, yet they called Jesus a blasphemer. Wherever Jesus went, his focus was not of himself, but of doing the will of his Father. Ultimately, that heavenly will was that Christ would give his life for the redemption of the entire world. Jesus, you see, had a higher calling to his life.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45 NKJV
We live in a world where charitable organizations abound. From the number of charities worldwide one would wonder why anyone would be in need at all. From helping the homeless to saving the animals, there's no shortage of people out there who are willing to give to help others. It seems that amongst the evil in this world, there are giving people out there. I find it humerous that people around the world will disparage the United States as one of the most evil, imperialistic nations of all time, yet these same people ignore the simple fact that whenever there is a disaster anywhere in the world, the United States is the often the FIRST country to step into harms way and help where needed. As I said, there are generous people ouut there among us. It is these people who place the needs of others above their own. After all, isn't this what Jesus suggested to us?
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him."
John 13: 12-16 NKJV
What was Jesus' lesson here to his disciples? Well, pretty much to look after one another. After all, Jesus was never above serving those he came to save. This Jesus, this Christ, was God in human form. Had he willed, he could have summoned legions of angels to accomplish whatever he wanted. Of course, that wouldn't have coincided with the will of his Father who sent him. No, this higher calling of Jesus was all about us and our salvation. Putting himself in our place and taking the penalty we well deserved.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
John 15:13 NKJV
I believe that this higher calling of Jesus was not only to do the will of his Father, but his love for us. Knowing the path that lay before him, he willingly followed where his father led him. He knew the pain, sorrow and condemnation that he would be facing, still he went. A higher calling.
I mentioned charity earlier. while it's good and decent to help those in need, and we should all aspire to help others, it should be done willingly with a giving heart.
And he looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting two mites. So he said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put more than all; "for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livlihood that she had." Luke 21: 1-4 NKJV
A higher calling.
~Scott~
Matthew 25: 35-40 NKJV
It's no secret that our Lord Jesus did not come to dwell us to fullfill some self serving agenda. No, Christ came to serve pure and simple. For what better measure of selflessness is there than giving ones life for others? Here on earth we call such people heroes, yet they called Jesus a blasphemer. Wherever Jesus went, his focus was not of himself, but of doing the will of his Father. Ultimately, that heavenly will was that Christ would give his life for the redemption of the entire world. Jesus, you see, had a higher calling to his life.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45 NKJV
We live in a world where charitable organizations abound. From the number of charities worldwide one would wonder why anyone would be in need at all. From helping the homeless to saving the animals, there's no shortage of people out there who are willing to give to help others. It seems that amongst the evil in this world, there are giving people out there. I find it humerous that people around the world will disparage the United States as one of the most evil, imperialistic nations of all time, yet these same people ignore the simple fact that whenever there is a disaster anywhere in the world, the United States is the often the FIRST country to step into harms way and help where needed. As I said, there are generous people ouut there among us. It is these people who place the needs of others above their own. After all, isn't this what Jesus suggested to us?
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him."
John 13: 12-16 NKJV
What was Jesus' lesson here to his disciples? Well, pretty much to look after one another. After all, Jesus was never above serving those he came to save. This Jesus, this Christ, was God in human form. Had he willed, he could have summoned legions of angels to accomplish whatever he wanted. Of course, that wouldn't have coincided with the will of his Father who sent him. No, this higher calling of Jesus was all about us and our salvation. Putting himself in our place and taking the penalty we well deserved.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
John 15:13 NKJV
I believe that this higher calling of Jesus was not only to do the will of his Father, but his love for us. Knowing the path that lay before him, he willingly followed where his father led him. He knew the pain, sorrow and condemnation that he would be facing, still he went. A higher calling.
I mentioned charity earlier. while it's good and decent to help those in need, and we should all aspire to help others, it should be done willingly with a giving heart.
And he looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting two mites. So he said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put more than all; "for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livlihood that she had." Luke 21: 1-4 NKJV
A higher calling.
~Scott~
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Waiting To be Seen
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Sometimes it doesn't take too much to shake our faith. We thought we were once strong in the Lord, but life comes to snatch that away. Where did God go? He is there, christian, sometimes he is just waiting for US to see him just where he is. More often than not, it is we who lose track of where God is, not the other way around. One needs to remember, God hasn't changed, nor does he move from our side even when times are tough. It is in these times especially that we will see his presence, if we seek him.
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 12-13 NKJV
Perhaps the reason that we often cannot find our Lord is because we're not seeking him? Just a thought. Not that I'm pointing fingers at anyone, just speaking from my own experience. I lost track of how many times I've wondered just where God is when he very well may have been right beside me. I wasn't seeking him.
I think there's a reason that God instructs us to seek him, like the Isrealites of old we are a wayward people. When things are going well, we tend to do things our own way. However, when faced with a challange or rough spot in life, we immediately run to God for protection. Granted, God excels at helping us when we are in need, but it's obvious that he wants us to seek him at other times too. After all, what parent among us doesn't complain when our their own children won't seek them out like they used to? I'm assuming this is a trying time for any parent. A child seeking their own independence has been known to cause high blood pressure as well as gray hair in parents. No matter how much a parent prepares for a child going into the world on their own, it WILL leave an empty space inside of them.
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him,'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 20-24 NKJV
It is in Luke 15 in Jesus' parable of a prodigal son that we get a look at just how our Heavenly Father feels when one of his children returns to him. As the Good Shepherd Jesus knows his sheep, so our Father knows his own as well. After all, he knew each of us before we were born, so he has a deeper knowledge of us than we do of ourselves. When one of Gods little ones goes astray, why wouldn't he long for them to return? THAT is the love of the Father. We can be assured that when we seek him, he will be there.
~Scott~
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Sometimes it doesn't take too much to shake our faith. We thought we were once strong in the Lord, but life comes to snatch that away. Where did God go? He is there, christian, sometimes he is just waiting for US to see him just where he is. More often than not, it is we who lose track of where God is, not the other way around. One needs to remember, God hasn't changed, nor does he move from our side even when times are tough. It is in these times especially that we will see his presence, if we seek him.
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 12-13 NKJV
Perhaps the reason that we often cannot find our Lord is because we're not seeking him? Just a thought. Not that I'm pointing fingers at anyone, just speaking from my own experience. I lost track of how many times I've wondered just where God is when he very well may have been right beside me. I wasn't seeking him.
I think there's a reason that God instructs us to seek him, like the Isrealites of old we are a wayward people. When things are going well, we tend to do things our own way. However, when faced with a challange or rough spot in life, we immediately run to God for protection. Granted, God excels at helping us when we are in need, but it's obvious that he wants us to seek him at other times too. After all, what parent among us doesn't complain when our their own children won't seek them out like they used to? I'm assuming this is a trying time for any parent. A child seeking their own independence has been known to cause high blood pressure as well as gray hair in parents. No matter how much a parent prepares for a child going into the world on their own, it WILL leave an empty space inside of them.
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him,'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 20-24 NKJV
It is in Luke 15 in Jesus' parable of a prodigal son that we get a look at just how our Heavenly Father feels when one of his children returns to him. As the Good Shepherd Jesus knows his sheep, so our Father knows his own as well. After all, he knew each of us before we were born, so he has a deeper knowledge of us than we do of ourselves. When one of Gods little ones goes astray, why wouldn't he long for them to return? THAT is the love of the Father. We can be assured that when we seek him, he will be there.
~Scott~
Reflecting On Christmas
"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you."
Deuteronomy 5:16 NKJV
My views of Christmas are pretty traditional. As yet another Christmas has passed, I can reflect on what this newest addition has meant to me and my family. We all should know by now that the real meaning of Christmas signifies the birth of our Lord and savior the Christ child. Sent by our LORD God to not only redeem a sinning people, but to reconcile those people back to him.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever beleives in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3:16-17 NKJV
In essence, THIS is the true meaning of Christmas, Gods everlasting love to save us despite ourselves.
I once read somewhere that after Christmas, Easter was one of the two most religious holidays in the world. Two days out of the year where we traditionaly recognize our Gods presence and celebrate him? I'm sorry, but even I know that God is not absent from our daily lives those other 363 days! In my humble opinion, our focus has shifted from a religious Christmas season to a commercial Christmas season. You can see it in the advertisements leading up to Christmas. Yes, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts on Christmas is a tradition created by man, but this is what we've locked onto. I understand that gifts were brought to the Christ child as well, but I believe this was in celebration of our saviors birth. For it was well known at that time that a savior would be delivered to Gods people. The prophets had fortold this event.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. Annd his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Throughout the Old Testament we see references to the birth of Jesus from Gods Prophets. This wasn't some last minuute event. In fact, I'd suggest two radical thoughts here. God KNEW what our sin condition would be beforehand, therefore he provided for our redemption even before we were created. THAT is one of the traits of our loving father, that he would create the entire universe AND ourselves despite knowing that we would eventually need to be rescued from ourselves. I can't say that I would ever continue with a project knowing I'd need to come back and redo it later. That's just not in our human nature. For us it's "work smarter, not harder." Despite the wonderful work that God has done in and for us, some of us continue to celebrate two religious holidays each year. Lost in the shopping sprees, sales, bright lights and maxed out credit cards is the true secret of the season born in Bethlehem so long ago. I am a huge fan of the old television series MASH. Go figure, I grew up in the 70's. To this day I love the antics of Klinger, Hawkeye, Frank Burns, Colonel Potter and the entire bunch. I'll usually skip most anything just to see another episode. One particular episode struck a chord with me this Christmas. As I waited in the emergency room as my mother was being treated for pnemonia, I recalled a episode where Hawkeye and B.J were trying to save the life of a young soldier on Christmas. This was a race against time as the boy was in pretty bad shape. Near the end, it was Hawkeyes intent to keep the boy alive by any means possible until the clock struck midnight, so the boys family would not equate Christmas with the death of a son. Despite their efforts, the boy died about an hour before Christmas ended. The episode closed with Hawkeye turning the clock in the operating room clock ahead to 12:01, assuring that the boys family would not remember Christmas as a day of mourning. As I waited in the emergency room this Christmas, that was my prayer. Lord, don't let this Christmas season be a reminder of my mothers passing. In my heart, I know He still has plans for her.
~Scott~
Deuteronomy 5:16 NKJV
My views of Christmas are pretty traditional. As yet another Christmas has passed, I can reflect on what this newest addition has meant to me and my family. We all should know by now that the real meaning of Christmas signifies the birth of our Lord and savior the Christ child. Sent by our LORD God to not only redeem a sinning people, but to reconcile those people back to him.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever beleives in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3:16-17 NKJV
In essence, THIS is the true meaning of Christmas, Gods everlasting love to save us despite ourselves.
I once read somewhere that after Christmas, Easter was one of the two most religious holidays in the world. Two days out of the year where we traditionaly recognize our Gods presence and celebrate him? I'm sorry, but even I know that God is not absent from our daily lives those other 363 days! In my humble opinion, our focus has shifted from a religious Christmas season to a commercial Christmas season. You can see it in the advertisements leading up to Christmas. Yes, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts on Christmas is a tradition created by man, but this is what we've locked onto. I understand that gifts were brought to the Christ child as well, but I believe this was in celebration of our saviors birth. For it was well known at that time that a savior would be delivered to Gods people. The prophets had fortold this event.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. Annd his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Throughout the Old Testament we see references to the birth of Jesus from Gods Prophets. This wasn't some last minuute event. In fact, I'd suggest two radical thoughts here. God KNEW what our sin condition would be beforehand, therefore he provided for our redemption even before we were created. THAT is one of the traits of our loving father, that he would create the entire universe AND ourselves despite knowing that we would eventually need to be rescued from ourselves. I can't say that I would ever continue with a project knowing I'd need to come back and redo it later. That's just not in our human nature. For us it's "work smarter, not harder." Despite the wonderful work that God has done in and for us, some of us continue to celebrate two religious holidays each year. Lost in the shopping sprees, sales, bright lights and maxed out credit cards is the true secret of the season born in Bethlehem so long ago. I am a huge fan of the old television series MASH. Go figure, I grew up in the 70's. To this day I love the antics of Klinger, Hawkeye, Frank Burns, Colonel Potter and the entire bunch. I'll usually skip most anything just to see another episode. One particular episode struck a chord with me this Christmas. As I waited in the emergency room as my mother was being treated for pnemonia, I recalled a episode where Hawkeye and B.J were trying to save the life of a young soldier on Christmas. This was a race against time as the boy was in pretty bad shape. Near the end, it was Hawkeyes intent to keep the boy alive by any means possible until the clock struck midnight, so the boys family would not equate Christmas with the death of a son. Despite their efforts, the boy died about an hour before Christmas ended. The episode closed with Hawkeye turning the clock in the operating room clock ahead to 12:01, assuring that the boys family would not remember Christmas as a day of mourning. As I waited in the emergency room this Christmas, that was my prayer. Lord, don't let this Christmas season be a reminder of my mothers passing. In my heart, I know He still has plans for her.
~Scott~
Friday, December 25, 2015
Inside Job
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, he died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 8-11 NKJV
There's a common thought out there that true change comes from within. Not that we who are in Jesus need change at all, but this is the prevailing wisdom. If one desires to change a certain habit, one needs to look within themselves in order to accomplish this. I guess at times I have dabbled into this thinking as well. In my constant battle with fitness, I've tried more than a few techniques supposedly designed to create "a new mindset." Ironically, it was a few pieces of honest advice from a few dear freinds that did more for me than any inner change program ever did.
The problem christians can run into when they suspect that they truly need "inner change" is that this flies smack in the face of the wonderful work that our Lord Jesus accomplished for us.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3: 16-17 NKJV
Notice in this infamous John 3:16 verse that it is not written that our Lord Jesus was not sent by God to encourage us we needed to change. Jesus was sent into this world TO BE THAT CHANGE we desperately needed. It is through the unselfish work of Christ Jesus that we who are in Christ now reside with him! He came to reconcile Gods creation once again to him, not to produce a halfhearted "change." For it is not by our own efforts that we ourselves can change
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 8-10 NKJV
The greatest gift we could have ever received is the loving gift God has given us through Christ Jesus. For through him we who have recieved him not only have access to the Father but complete forgiveness of our sins past, present and future. How much more do we need?
I recently read the fabled story of "Pardo's Push" from the history of the Vietnam War. Captain Bob Pardo was assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon airbase in Thailand in March of 1967. On March 10th, 1967, Pardo and his wingman Captain Earl Aman were on a bombing mission over hostile North Vietnam when both of their F-4 Phantoms sustained heavy damage. Amans F-4 was damaged severly enough that he was in danger of having to eject into enemy territory. Pardo would have none of this, however. Despite a fire in one of his birds engines, Captain Pardo manuvered his damaged Phantom into position behind Amans plane as his wingman lowered his rear tailhook. With unimaginable skill, Bob Pardo used his own F-4 to "push" his wingmans injured aircraft over 88 miles into friendly territory. Both men therefore were able to eject into not so hostile territory. It is said that they avoided capture and were retrieved by Search and rescue helicopters. Ironically, Captain Pardo was initially reprimanded for not saving his aircraft. What he did save, however, had greater value than ANY aircraft. The scriptures tell us that "Greater love have no man than to give his life for a friend." I'm sure that Captain Earl Aman would agree.
~Scott~
Romans 6: 8-11 NKJV
There's a common thought out there that true change comes from within. Not that we who are in Jesus need change at all, but this is the prevailing wisdom. If one desires to change a certain habit, one needs to look within themselves in order to accomplish this. I guess at times I have dabbled into this thinking as well. In my constant battle with fitness, I've tried more than a few techniques supposedly designed to create "a new mindset." Ironically, it was a few pieces of honest advice from a few dear freinds that did more for me than any inner change program ever did.
The problem christians can run into when they suspect that they truly need "inner change" is that this flies smack in the face of the wonderful work that our Lord Jesus accomplished for us.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3: 16-17 NKJV
Notice in this infamous John 3:16 verse that it is not written that our Lord Jesus was not sent by God to encourage us we needed to change. Jesus was sent into this world TO BE THAT CHANGE we desperately needed. It is through the unselfish work of Christ Jesus that we who are in Christ now reside with him! He came to reconcile Gods creation once again to him, not to produce a halfhearted "change." For it is not by our own efforts that we ourselves can change
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 8-10 NKJV
The greatest gift we could have ever received is the loving gift God has given us through Christ Jesus. For through him we who have recieved him not only have access to the Father but complete forgiveness of our sins past, present and future. How much more do we need?
I recently read the fabled story of "Pardo's Push" from the history of the Vietnam War. Captain Bob Pardo was assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon airbase in Thailand in March of 1967. On March 10th, 1967, Pardo and his wingman Captain Earl Aman were on a bombing mission over hostile North Vietnam when both of their F-4 Phantoms sustained heavy damage. Amans F-4 was damaged severly enough that he was in danger of having to eject into enemy territory. Pardo would have none of this, however. Despite a fire in one of his birds engines, Captain Pardo manuvered his damaged Phantom into position behind Amans plane as his wingman lowered his rear tailhook. With unimaginable skill, Bob Pardo used his own F-4 to "push" his wingmans injured aircraft over 88 miles into friendly territory. Both men therefore were able to eject into not so hostile territory. It is said that they avoided capture and were retrieved by Search and rescue helicopters. Ironically, Captain Pardo was initially reprimanded for not saving his aircraft. What he did save, however, had greater value than ANY aircraft. The scriptures tell us that "Greater love have no man than to give his life for a friend." I'm sure that Captain Earl Aman would agree.
~Scott~
Thursday, December 24, 2015
The Coming King
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2: 7-11 NKJV
Looking at scripture, there isn't too much spectacular about the birth of this child in Bethlehem so long ago. In fact, I'd suggest to those who didn't know, that this was just a normal birth for a child of that time period. There was Joseph, a local carpenter and his wife Mary, surrounded by a small assortment of animals. The locals, of course, knew Joseph as the man who had married Mary even after she had become pregnant before marriage. Scriptures tell us that Joseph had contemplated to spare Mary any embarrassment over this.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take you Mary your wife, for that which is concieved in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
Matthew 1: 19-21 NKJV
It was, after all, quite the scandal in Hebrew culture for a unmarried woman to become pregnant. We can only imagine the struggle that Joseph had over this situation. It says much about this man that his concern was to spare any embarrassment to Mary. Early on, we get a good glimpse of the parents of the future Lord Jesus.
We normally associate the birth of royalty with alot of celebration and attention. This Christ child, however, had one of the most humble births of any king in history. I believe this was yet another part of Gods perfect plan for our savior. After all, the savoir of all mankind was to be born outdoors in a stable amongst his parents and a few animals. Can you think of any more humble beginings? His birth was not celebrated much by men, but this child would one day become the centerpiece of Gods perfect plan for mankinds redemption. Despite his lowly origins, he was indeed royalty. We know the boys parents had to know of the importance of their sons birth, they had been shown that by the angel of the Lord. However, we are not given too much information in scripture of the early years and family life of young Jesus. We caan assume from history that he learned at the feet of his father Joseph in his carpentry trade, this was how things were done. As in his birth, the growth and maturity of Jesus was that of a humble man. This was not the life of a king, but of a typical Jewish child of the time. From his birth in a manger to his death on a Roman cross, the world would come to know this man and his selfless sacrafice.
Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake
If they know half the things I've done they'll never let me in
Then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again
They said let me tell you a secret about a fathers love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
See Daddys don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end Amen
"Love Without End, Amen"
George Strait
~Scott~
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Corrupted Data
Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Romans 6:6 NKJV
We've all heard those stories of identity theft in this new computer age. There's alot of people out there who have a large part of their lives in cyberspace. This isn't surprising considering how much time most of us spend online. Online footprints are almost impossible to erase. I'm sure this isn't exactly what Al Gore had in mind when he invented the internet. The price of being careless online can range from losing ones identity to losing your credit history. Consequently, internet crimes are some of the most difficult to prosecute. I certainly don't want to scare people out of the internet, but it's good to be safe also.
A few years back, there was a theory out there that simply "erasing" ones computer hard drive was adequate enough to protect someone from internet threats. However, there is just one problem with this approach. Anyone with a semblence of computer know how knows that erasing ones computer hard drive does not erase the drive, but simply overwrites the hard drive disk with other data. So, in theory, the original data is still accessible to someone who knows how to find it. And yes, there are PLENTY of computer geeks out there who spend alot of time finding ways to steal data that someone supposedly "erased" from their hard drive. This makes for a pretty interesting cat and mouse game between those who would steal someones identity and internet security designers.
In Romans 6:6, Paul reveals to us something of our new identity. Paul assures us here that we, that is our former self, was crucified on that cross with Jesus. What's important for we who are in Christ to realize here is that when Jesus shed his blood to put away the "body of sin" we once inhabited, he himself inhabited inside of us what he died to take away.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Despite our new Identity with Jesus, many of us continue to dig up that corrupted data that Jesus died to put away forever. There have been many times where I've conjured up old doubts and fears that were contrary to who I was in Jesus. These old hurts, doubts, fears and worries that were part of our "old self" were what Jesus shed his very blood to do away with in us. Now, as we who are in Christ are the very essence of our Lord Jesus in us, what need do we have to dig up those old bones of our former selves? What possible need could we have for what Jesus gave his life to rid us of? That old, corrupted data is just no longer useful for us.
~Scott~
Romans 6:6 NKJV
We've all heard those stories of identity theft in this new computer age. There's alot of people out there who have a large part of their lives in cyberspace. This isn't surprising considering how much time most of us spend online. Online footprints are almost impossible to erase. I'm sure this isn't exactly what Al Gore had in mind when he invented the internet. The price of being careless online can range from losing ones identity to losing your credit history. Consequently, internet crimes are some of the most difficult to prosecute. I certainly don't want to scare people out of the internet, but it's good to be safe also.
A few years back, there was a theory out there that simply "erasing" ones computer hard drive was adequate enough to protect someone from internet threats. However, there is just one problem with this approach. Anyone with a semblence of computer know how knows that erasing ones computer hard drive does not erase the drive, but simply overwrites the hard drive disk with other data. So, in theory, the original data is still accessible to someone who knows how to find it. And yes, there are PLENTY of computer geeks out there who spend alot of time finding ways to steal data that someone supposedly "erased" from their hard drive. This makes for a pretty interesting cat and mouse game between those who would steal someones identity and internet security designers.
In Romans 6:6, Paul reveals to us something of our new identity. Paul assures us here that we, that is our former self, was crucified on that cross with Jesus. What's important for we who are in Christ to realize here is that when Jesus shed his blood to put away the "body of sin" we once inhabited, he himself inhabited inside of us what he died to take away.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Despite our new Identity with Jesus, many of us continue to dig up that corrupted data that Jesus died to put away forever. There have been many times where I've conjured up old doubts and fears that were contrary to who I was in Jesus. These old hurts, doubts, fears and worries that were part of our "old self" were what Jesus shed his very blood to do away with in us. Now, as we who are in Christ are the very essence of our Lord Jesus in us, what need do we have to dig up those old bones of our former selves? What possible need could we have for what Jesus gave his life to rid us of? That old, corrupted data is just no longer useful for us.
~Scott~
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Identity Crisis
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me. And the glory which You gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one; I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and loved them as You have loved Me."
John 17: 20-23 NKJV
I'm a pretty big fan of police reality shows. There's alot of excitement in the job law enforcement does, and I honor them for the job they do. Watch some of these shows long enough and you'll notice a pattern. When the officer pulls a person over for a violation, one of the first questions they will ask is to see the said persons identification and/or license. There's a pretty solid reason for this. The officer needs to know just who it is they're dealing with. Is this person a felon? Are they wanted in another state? This isn't just for knowledge of the perpetrator, but for the officers own safety. Interestingly enough, if the person they are questioning is hiding something, they'll often do everything in their power to hide their identity. When this happens, the person will be detained until their true identity can be established. So, a persons identity is mighty important in this situation obviously.
What would happen if we lost our identity? We've all heard stories of those who've had their identity stolen. The process to clean up this mess can be astounding to say the least. Of course, we're talking about our personal identity here. We all know just who we are, or do we?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Sure, we all know our personal and family history, but who are we really? In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we're told that those who have accepted Jesus now have a new identity. For those who have chosen to live for Christ, we are a entirely new creation. When Jesus shed his blood and died on the cross, he not only bore the sins of all mankind, but we died with him.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
THIS is our true identity for those who have accepted Jesus. It doesn't take a genius to understand that our earthly identity will eventually pass away. All those things that once defined us, our habits, tendencies and personality will eventually fade away. Perhaps even the memories others have of us will fade away also. However, we can be assured that our identity in Christ will NEVER fade away, 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures us of that. Whatever this world may throw our way, we can be assured that it is NOT our earthly bodies that define us, but our eternal identity in Jesus.
~Scott~
John 17: 20-23 NKJV
I'm a pretty big fan of police reality shows. There's alot of excitement in the job law enforcement does, and I honor them for the job they do. Watch some of these shows long enough and you'll notice a pattern. When the officer pulls a person over for a violation, one of the first questions they will ask is to see the said persons identification and/or license. There's a pretty solid reason for this. The officer needs to know just who it is they're dealing with. Is this person a felon? Are they wanted in another state? This isn't just for knowledge of the perpetrator, but for the officers own safety. Interestingly enough, if the person they are questioning is hiding something, they'll often do everything in their power to hide their identity. When this happens, the person will be detained until their true identity can be established. So, a persons identity is mighty important in this situation obviously.
What would happen if we lost our identity? We've all heard stories of those who've had their identity stolen. The process to clean up this mess can be astounding to say the least. Of course, we're talking about our personal identity here. We all know just who we are, or do we?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Sure, we all know our personal and family history, but who are we really? In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we're told that those who have accepted Jesus now have a new identity. For those who have chosen to live for Christ, we are a entirely new creation. When Jesus shed his blood and died on the cross, he not only bore the sins of all mankind, but we died with him.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
THIS is our true identity for those who have accepted Jesus. It doesn't take a genius to understand that our earthly identity will eventually pass away. All those things that once defined us, our habits, tendencies and personality will eventually fade away. Perhaps even the memories others have of us will fade away also. However, we can be assured that our identity in Christ will NEVER fade away, 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures us of that. Whatever this world may throw our way, we can be assured that it is NOT our earthly bodies that define us, but our eternal identity in Jesus.
~Scott~
Monday, December 21, 2015
Who Am I, God?
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
I think I've found a new weapon to use against our enemies. That weapon is low self esteem! We've all had run in with this dastardly demon in one form or another at some point. Think about it, how good would a group of terrorists be if they walked around worrying if they were good enough to carry out their mission? How good would a foreign army be if they walked in fear that they were garbage, never good enough! I tell you, the morale of such a fighting force would be lower than a democrats morals. Now, how effective are people who face each day feeling that they are garbage? I can speak from experience on this issue, I WAS one of those people. I faced many of the demons that so many others around me have. That loop in my head was always on continuos playback...you're no goood, nobody likes you, you're a fake christian, you're too fat, you'll never amount to anything, yada yada yada. I admit, I ultimately convinced myself that I was indeed no good! How could God love a person like me? In fact, it is because of Gods love for me that Jesus came to redeem me!
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
In Hebrews 4:15 we can see that Jesus does understand whatever it is we are dealing with. See, Christ came to earth as flesh, God in human form. Therefore, those same troubles and worries that we are going through, Jesus dealt with them also.
When He had come to his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brothers James, Joses, Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?"
Matthew 13: 54-56
It seems that Jesus was not appreciated by the people in the town he was raised in. This man with a message for the salvation of all mankind was denied by many. So, you still think you have problems? Not only was our Lord rejected, but beaten, scourged and finally crucified. I have news for you people, your worst day CANNOT compare to the punishment that Jesus endured! Did your best friend forget your birthday? It's better than being whipped and beaten. Did someone tell you today that you were worthless? They did just that to Jesus, and worse.
One thing that Jesus NEVER had to do is wonder, "who am I God?" He knew his own identity. Ephesians 2:10 also assures us of our identity. We are not the unworthy people that we continually try to convince ourselves we are. God didn't create anything "unworthy" in his own image! We can rest assured that God see's us as his beloved children.
~Scott~
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
I think I've found a new weapon to use against our enemies. That weapon is low self esteem! We've all had run in with this dastardly demon in one form or another at some point. Think about it, how good would a group of terrorists be if they walked around worrying if they were good enough to carry out their mission? How good would a foreign army be if they walked in fear that they were garbage, never good enough! I tell you, the morale of such a fighting force would be lower than a democrats morals. Now, how effective are people who face each day feeling that they are garbage? I can speak from experience on this issue, I WAS one of those people. I faced many of the demons that so many others around me have. That loop in my head was always on continuos playback...you're no goood, nobody likes you, you're a fake christian, you're too fat, you'll never amount to anything, yada yada yada. I admit, I ultimately convinced myself that I was indeed no good! How could God love a person like me? In fact, it is because of Gods love for me that Jesus came to redeem me!
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
In Hebrews 4:15 we can see that Jesus does understand whatever it is we are dealing with. See, Christ came to earth as flesh, God in human form. Therefore, those same troubles and worries that we are going through, Jesus dealt with them also.
When He had come to his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brothers James, Joses, Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?"
Matthew 13: 54-56
It seems that Jesus was not appreciated by the people in the town he was raised in. This man with a message for the salvation of all mankind was denied by many. So, you still think you have problems? Not only was our Lord rejected, but beaten, scourged and finally crucified. I have news for you people, your worst day CANNOT compare to the punishment that Jesus endured! Did your best friend forget your birthday? It's better than being whipped and beaten. Did someone tell you today that you were worthless? They did just that to Jesus, and worse.
One thing that Jesus NEVER had to do is wonder, "who am I God?" He knew his own identity. Ephesians 2:10 also assures us of our identity. We are not the unworthy people that we continually try to convince ourselves we are. God didn't create anything "unworthy" in his own image! We can rest assured that God see's us as his beloved children.
~Scott~
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Betrayal
He is despised and rejected by men, A man of sorrows aquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from him; He was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon him, And by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53: 3-6 NKJV
Despite being written generations before the trial and death of Jesus, this passage in the book of Isaiah is a clear prediction of his death. This is also a indication that the crucification of our Lord was predestined by our heavenly father long ago. This will obviously bring up a string of questions. If God knew beforehand that his creation would need a redeemer, why not just make things right from the begining? Well, after seeing his new creation we get that answer.
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31 NKJV
So, even after seeing all that he had created, including man, God proclaimed everything in his sight to be VERY GOOD. After all, this was his masterpiece.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
There it is, "prepared by God beforehand." Yes, God definately knew beforehand just what would occur to his beloved creation in the garden but, even then, I believe this was all part of his ultimate plan for us. As a dear friend of mine observed recently, how would we know the difference between good and evil without first experiencing both? The plan was set in motion.
By now we should be familiar with the story of the fall and the actions of Adam and Eve in the garden and the coming birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. THAT brings us to our desperate need for a savior. After all, Isaiah had predicted this years before right? By His stripes we would be healed!
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went away and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
Luke 22: 2-5 NKJV
By this act of betrayal, Gods love for us was manifested through Jesus. This would fulfill Gods plan for us that we were told of in back in Isaiah. We had experienced the good and the evil. Now, with the shedding of His innocent blood on the cross, Jesus would bear the iniquities of us all. This man, who was wounded for our transgressions, fulfilled the promise that God had given so long ago.
~Scott~
Isaiah 53: 3-6 NKJV
Despite being written generations before the trial and death of Jesus, this passage in the book of Isaiah is a clear prediction of his death. This is also a indication that the crucification of our Lord was predestined by our heavenly father long ago. This will obviously bring up a string of questions. If God knew beforehand that his creation would need a redeemer, why not just make things right from the begining? Well, after seeing his new creation we get that answer.
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31 NKJV
So, even after seeing all that he had created, including man, God proclaimed everything in his sight to be VERY GOOD. After all, this was his masterpiece.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
There it is, "prepared by God beforehand." Yes, God definately knew beforehand just what would occur to his beloved creation in the garden but, even then, I believe this was all part of his ultimate plan for us. As a dear friend of mine observed recently, how would we know the difference between good and evil without first experiencing both? The plan was set in motion.
By now we should be familiar with the story of the fall and the actions of Adam and Eve in the garden and the coming birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. THAT brings us to our desperate need for a savior. After all, Isaiah had predicted this years before right? By His stripes we would be healed!
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went away and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
Luke 22: 2-5 NKJV
By this act of betrayal, Gods love for us was manifested through Jesus. This would fulfill Gods plan for us that we were told of in back in Isaiah. We had experienced the good and the evil. Now, with the shedding of His innocent blood on the cross, Jesus would bear the iniquities of us all. This man, who was wounded for our transgressions, fulfilled the promise that God had given so long ago.
~Scott~
Behaving Badly
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwellls; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the goood that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil that I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7: 17-19 NKJV
The devil made me do it, how often have we used this lame excuse when confronted with our bad behavior? Would you be surprised that there are no fewer than seven Greek words for sin? The greek word {Hamartia} is defined as "missing the mark" and is said to encompass the other six definitions. The greek term Hamartia is, therefore, when we, through our own actions, aim for Gods best but miss the mark. Well, even though a definition is helpful, it fails to decribe just why we sin. When I first read Romans 7:18 I felt a sense of relief. Here was the apostle Paul, a great defender of the faith admitting that he struggled with sin. This man of God was just like me! Yet, even though Paul struggled with this imperfection, there is no doubt that he IS a man of God. Yes, even devout christians can struggle with sins pull. And we continue to do so.
Now, we've seen the Greek definition of the word sin as "missing the mark" somehow. Knowing this, does sin make us a bad person? Despite being redeemed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, can a few instances of "missing the mark" put us in bad favor with our loving God who sent his son to die for us? I'm thinking not. The fact is, when Jesus died on the cross, WE perished with him! Not only are our sins of past, present and future forgiven us, but we now have a clean slate in our brand new creation.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Galations 2:20 assures us of our new identity in Christ Jesus, but there's another thought worth remembering here.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27 NKJV
So, from the begining, we were created in the very image of God. Ask yourself that million dollar question, was God ever bad? Now, knowing that you yourself were created in the image of a loving God, were YOU ever bad? Yes, we may sin, but that does NOT change the fact that we are Gods loved children created in his very image.
~Scott~
Saturday, December 19, 2015
What I've Learned In My Search For Jesus
"I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and m known by My own. As the father knows Me, even so I know the father; and I lay down My life for the sheep."
John 10: 14-15 NKJV
I began a journey some time ago, a quest to find Jesus. Oh, I knew who Jesus was and what he did for me, but I never really knew Him personally until recently. Some call it a "personal relationship" with Him, to me it was came down to realizing just how close I am to Him who saved me.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Indeed, this same Jesus who gave His very life for me is now a huge part of my life! Instead of turning his back on me when I faltered, he held me up. Instead of condeming me when I failed, His forgiveness and grace washed over me. He wasn't there waiting in the wings for me to mess up. See, I think that's where we get sidetracked at times when we eventually fall into wrong behaviors. We may feel that our loving God is just sitting back waiting to punish us for the wrong that we do. The wonderful truth I've come to realize is that God doesn't need to wait for us to fail, because he's already accounted for this with Jesus' shed blood on that cross so long ago. So, believing this to be true, I no longer need to ask Gods forgiveness for my iniquities.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets. has in these last days spoken to us through His Son, who He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1: 1-3 NKJV
Again, in Hebrews 1, we are reminded of the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Yet, many of us continue to continually ask for forgiveness when we fail. Listen to the scriptures, that's no longer needed! Just thank God for his loving grace and forgiveness. Jesus handled the hard part a long time ago.
My journey to see Jesus in me has also opened my eyes to the person who God has created, not the person the world sees. Where the world sees the physical, our Lord sees the heart. In fact, didn't he create all things? Even these earthly vessels of ours for his son to inhabit? Indeed, if Christ is in me, he needs a dwellling place. This vessel of mine has been returned to the original owner!
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
Believe me, if anyone has had self confidence issues it's me! I've had weight issues, various addictions and other various hangups. Before my journey to seek Jesus, THIS was the person who defined me in my eyes! Talk about having a bad self image! I'm sure I'm not alone, there are others out there with the very same issues. Believe me, when God created us in his own image, he didn't create us the way the world sees us. When you began your own journey of finding Jesus, you'll find out that God doesn't look at you the way you've long thought he did.
~Scott~
John 10: 14-15 NKJV
I began a journey some time ago, a quest to find Jesus. Oh, I knew who Jesus was and what he did for me, but I never really knew Him personally until recently. Some call it a "personal relationship" with Him, to me it was came down to realizing just how close I am to Him who saved me.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
Indeed, this same Jesus who gave His very life for me is now a huge part of my life! Instead of turning his back on me when I faltered, he held me up. Instead of condeming me when I failed, His forgiveness and grace washed over me. He wasn't there waiting in the wings for me to mess up. See, I think that's where we get sidetracked at times when we eventually fall into wrong behaviors. We may feel that our loving God is just sitting back waiting to punish us for the wrong that we do. The wonderful truth I've come to realize is that God doesn't need to wait for us to fail, because he's already accounted for this with Jesus' shed blood on that cross so long ago. So, believing this to be true, I no longer need to ask Gods forgiveness for my iniquities.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets. has in these last days spoken to us through His Son, who He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1: 1-3 NKJV
Again, in Hebrews 1, we are reminded of the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Yet, many of us continue to continually ask for forgiveness when we fail. Listen to the scriptures, that's no longer needed! Just thank God for his loving grace and forgiveness. Jesus handled the hard part a long time ago.
My journey to see Jesus in me has also opened my eyes to the person who God has created, not the person the world sees. Where the world sees the physical, our Lord sees the heart. In fact, didn't he create all things? Even these earthly vessels of ours for his son to inhabit? Indeed, if Christ is in me, he needs a dwellling place. This vessel of mine has been returned to the original owner!
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
Believe me, if anyone has had self confidence issues it's me! I've had weight issues, various addictions and other various hangups. Before my journey to seek Jesus, THIS was the person who defined me in my eyes! Talk about having a bad self image! I'm sure I'm not alone, there are others out there with the very same issues. Believe me, when God created us in his own image, he didn't create us the way the world sees us. When you began your own journey of finding Jesus, you'll find out that God doesn't look at you the way you've long thought he did.
~Scott~
License To Sin?
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died for sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Romans 6: 8-10 NKJV
I read a story the other day of a man who had been in prison for over 15 years before he new evidence set had set him free. Predictably, his faith in the justice system had been shaken. When interviewed, he ran off a bucket list of all the things he wanted to do that he had once missed out on. Things we take for granted like driving, shopping, family time,sight seeing and other pleasures. Predictably, the one thing he DIDN'T do was to go back to the prison that had been his home for so many years. That may seem like a no brainer, but you'd be surprised at just how many people revisit failed behaviors and actions even though they've been burned by them before. I was one of those people. I don't like to admit when I'm wrong, and I DEFINATELY don't like paying the price for wrong decisions that I thought were the right ones at the time. I'm guessinng that I'm in some pretty good company there, however.
In Romans 6, the apostle Paul makes a important observation that may very well help us today. We accept that our Lord Jesus bled and died on the cross, all for us. However, it wasn't just Christ that died on that cross, but the very sin that he was rescuing us from perished as well. Jesus took that bullet for us, so that Gods righteous judgement would not be counted against us. I believe that one of satans final footholds on Gods ccreation was that of death, eventually we all pass away, but what lies beyond that? With the death and resurection of Christ, we can now be assured of life beyond the grave! As Christ now now resides in the presence of his father who sent him, so will we who receive the gift he offers. We no longer need to fear what lies beyond this life of ours, Jesus has already assured us of that.
There is a reason that I began this page with mention of a man who was freed from prison after so many years. This man, having spent so much of his life imprisoned, finaly tasted the freedom he'd hoped for for so long. Prison life was all that he knew. It's no wonder, then, that when he was finally set free, that his new life took some getting used to. This is the same with we who have accepted the free gift that Jesus has given us. Like that former prisoner, WE are set free thanks to the selfless sacrafice of our Lord Jesus. It may take us some time to realize the freedom we now have, but that doesn't change the fact that it has been given to us. The mistake we make is revisiting that former life that the shed blood of Christ has already paid the price to do away with. Why would someone go back to prison after being set free?
~Scott~
Romans 6: 8-10 NKJV
I read a story the other day of a man who had been in prison for over 15 years before he new evidence set had set him free. Predictably, his faith in the justice system had been shaken. When interviewed, he ran off a bucket list of all the things he wanted to do that he had once missed out on. Things we take for granted like driving, shopping, family time,sight seeing and other pleasures. Predictably, the one thing he DIDN'T do was to go back to the prison that had been his home for so many years. That may seem like a no brainer, but you'd be surprised at just how many people revisit failed behaviors and actions even though they've been burned by them before. I was one of those people. I don't like to admit when I'm wrong, and I DEFINATELY don't like paying the price for wrong decisions that I thought were the right ones at the time. I'm guessinng that I'm in some pretty good company there, however.
In Romans 6, the apostle Paul makes a important observation that may very well help us today. We accept that our Lord Jesus bled and died on the cross, all for us. However, it wasn't just Christ that died on that cross, but the very sin that he was rescuing us from perished as well. Jesus took that bullet for us, so that Gods righteous judgement would not be counted against us. I believe that one of satans final footholds on Gods ccreation was that of death, eventually we all pass away, but what lies beyond that? With the death and resurection of Christ, we can now be assured of life beyond the grave! As Christ now now resides in the presence of his father who sent him, so will we who receive the gift he offers. We no longer need to fear what lies beyond this life of ours, Jesus has already assured us of that.
There is a reason that I began this page with mention of a man who was freed from prison after so many years. This man, having spent so much of his life imprisoned, finaly tasted the freedom he'd hoped for for so long. Prison life was all that he knew. It's no wonder, then, that when he was finally set free, that his new life took some getting used to. This is the same with we who have accepted the free gift that Jesus has given us. Like that former prisoner, WE are set free thanks to the selfless sacrafice of our Lord Jesus. It may take us some time to realize the freedom we now have, but that doesn't change the fact that it has been given to us. The mistake we make is revisiting that former life that the shed blood of Christ has already paid the price to do away with. Why would someone go back to prison after being set free?
~Scott~
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Killing Time
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainlly we also shall be in the likeness of his resurection. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Romans 6: 1-6 NKJV
It's one of the most misunderstood truths in scripture. How many christians hold fast to the belief that they have DIED and that our Lord Jesus lives within them? I know this to be true, because I was one of those who didn't unnderstand this truth as well. Not only that, I have seen christian brothers around me who struggle with this concept as well. It's certainly not an easy concept to wrap our beliefs around, but is backed up by scripture.
Who himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might llive for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed.
1 Peter 2:24 NKJV
We don't question that God so loved the world that he gave his son Jesus as a sin sacrafice. Furthermore, we don't question that Jesus, when his time had come, gave himself as a sacrafice for the sins of the entire world. We also hold fast to our belief that, three days later, Christ was resurected. The story of Gods salvation plan for us all is pretty much locked into our collective memories. However, there's one part that more than a few of us have missed.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the llife which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NKJV
We've spent alot of time in our Sunday morning gatherings in discussion of this very topic. Yes, christian men still struggle with the concept that our Lord Jesus really lives within us. Why is this still a issue? After all, we have Gods word to validate our true identity in Christ. That former life of ours that Jesus gave himself as a sin sacrafice for has been done away with, it's over! This is the point that Paul is trying to make in Galations 2:20. If Jesus died on the cross for our sins once and for all, THAT part of us no longer exists. What is left is our redeemed new creation that Jesus now inhabits. When we accept the work that Christ did for us, we no longer need worry about the sins of our past, they're covered. We are the beneficiaries not only of Gods endless love, but of the redeeming work of Jesus.
~Scott~
Romans 6: 1-6 NKJV
It's one of the most misunderstood truths in scripture. How many christians hold fast to the belief that they have DIED and that our Lord Jesus lives within them? I know this to be true, because I was one of those who didn't unnderstand this truth as well. Not only that, I have seen christian brothers around me who struggle with this concept as well. It's certainly not an easy concept to wrap our beliefs around, but is backed up by scripture.
Who himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might llive for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed.
1 Peter 2:24 NKJV
We don't question that God so loved the world that he gave his son Jesus as a sin sacrafice. Furthermore, we don't question that Jesus, when his time had come, gave himself as a sacrafice for the sins of the entire world. We also hold fast to our belief that, three days later, Christ was resurected. The story of Gods salvation plan for us all is pretty much locked into our collective memories. However, there's one part that more than a few of us have missed.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the llife which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NKJV
We've spent alot of time in our Sunday morning gatherings in discussion of this very topic. Yes, christian men still struggle with the concept that our Lord Jesus really lives within us. Why is this still a issue? After all, we have Gods word to validate our true identity in Christ. That former life of ours that Jesus gave himself as a sin sacrafice for has been done away with, it's over! This is the point that Paul is trying to make in Galations 2:20. If Jesus died on the cross for our sins once and for all, THAT part of us no longer exists. What is left is our redeemed new creation that Jesus now inhabits. When we accept the work that Christ did for us, we no longer need worry about the sins of our past, they're covered. We are the beneficiaries not only of Gods endless love, but of the redeeming work of Jesus.
~Scott~
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
In Search Of Fatherhood
And he rose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 'for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 20-23 NKJV
Each time I think of a perfect father, I recall the parable of the prodigal son in Luke15. This young man had siezed his opportunity to "sieze the day" and, after collecting his inheritance, had left home with high hopes. Well, long story short, the lad squanders his inheritance on what today would be called loose living. It didn't take long before the boy realizes that perhaps he had made a mistake in leaving home. His solution, return home to his father, beg his forgiveness and beg for a job as one of his fathers servants. His plan may have worked had not the boys father had compassion on his lost son and showered him with affection upon his return. No doubt dad had been agonizing over his wayward sons behavior since he left home, that's just what most parents do. Notice that I said MOST parents, there are those exceptions.
According to The United States Census Bureau...
~ 43% of children inn the United States live without a father at home.
~ 90% of runaway children are from fatherless homes.
~ 71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father
~ 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
~ 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes.
~ 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes.
These statistics paint a stunning picture as to just how far we've fallen in our society. As a result of our own selfishness, we may have single handedly destroyed a generation of our own children. We've become fond of placing the blame for the downfall of our children on other factors such as television, drugs, alchohol and hanging with the wrong people. I could go on, but why? Are we too blind to see that we ourselves are a large part of this problem? For example, my own father was a alchoholic and unfaithful in his marriage. Was it my brother and I who were ultimately responsible for my dads behavior? No, that burden lays squarely with my dad. I'd suggest there was nothing I did that contributed to my parents divorce. I didn't convince my dad to go out and get drunk or to cheat on my mother! In fact, if I'd had a say in the matter I'm sure I would have smacked him in the head and told him to man up and save his family! My point here is, it was ultimately my dads selfish choices that led to the breakup of our family.
For the most part, I spent many years of my childhood searching for a way to explain why my dad did what he did. How many more children out there have had the very same experience? We've seen the statistics already. What we should be asking ourselves is "Why have we, as men, dropped the ball so often in this area?" As I've mentioned, I believe it comes down to our own selfish choices. There are countless books and resources out there on what makes a good father, but all of this can be for not if someone has no desire but for himself and his own needs. Where can we look to in our search for fatherhood? Well, I believe a good start would be from the same source that created the institution of fatherhood, our Lord God. After all, it is our own heavenly father who loved us enough to send his son to die for us. No greater love has ever been known. As I've mentioned, in the Luke 15 parable of the prodigal son we have a wonderful example of fatherhood. I've always believed that Jesus used this parable to teach of the selfless love that our own heavenly father has for us. We may have imperfect parents and a broken home, but our heavenly father has loved us first.
~Scott~
Luke 15: 20-23 NKJV
Each time I think of a perfect father, I recall the parable of the prodigal son in Luke15. This young man had siezed his opportunity to "sieze the day" and, after collecting his inheritance, had left home with high hopes. Well, long story short, the lad squanders his inheritance on what today would be called loose living. It didn't take long before the boy realizes that perhaps he had made a mistake in leaving home. His solution, return home to his father, beg his forgiveness and beg for a job as one of his fathers servants. His plan may have worked had not the boys father had compassion on his lost son and showered him with affection upon his return. No doubt dad had been agonizing over his wayward sons behavior since he left home, that's just what most parents do. Notice that I said MOST parents, there are those exceptions.
According to The United States Census Bureau...
~ 43% of children inn the United States live without a father at home.
~ 90% of runaway children are from fatherless homes.
~ 71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father
~ 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
~ 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes.
~ 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes.
These statistics paint a stunning picture as to just how far we've fallen in our society. As a result of our own selfishness, we may have single handedly destroyed a generation of our own children. We've become fond of placing the blame for the downfall of our children on other factors such as television, drugs, alchohol and hanging with the wrong people. I could go on, but why? Are we too blind to see that we ourselves are a large part of this problem? For example, my own father was a alchoholic and unfaithful in his marriage. Was it my brother and I who were ultimately responsible for my dads behavior? No, that burden lays squarely with my dad. I'd suggest there was nothing I did that contributed to my parents divorce. I didn't convince my dad to go out and get drunk or to cheat on my mother! In fact, if I'd had a say in the matter I'm sure I would have smacked him in the head and told him to man up and save his family! My point here is, it was ultimately my dads selfish choices that led to the breakup of our family.
For the most part, I spent many years of my childhood searching for a way to explain why my dad did what he did. How many more children out there have had the very same experience? We've seen the statistics already. What we should be asking ourselves is "Why have we, as men, dropped the ball so often in this area?" As I've mentioned, I believe it comes down to our own selfish choices. There are countless books and resources out there on what makes a good father, but all of this can be for not if someone has no desire but for himself and his own needs. Where can we look to in our search for fatherhood? Well, I believe a good start would be from the same source that created the institution of fatherhood, our Lord God. After all, it is our own heavenly father who loved us enough to send his son to die for us. No greater love has ever been known. As I've mentioned, in the Luke 15 parable of the prodigal son we have a wonderful example of fatherhood. I've always believed that Jesus used this parable to teach of the selfless love that our own heavenly father has for us. We may have imperfect parents and a broken home, but our heavenly father has loved us first.
~Scott~
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Connnections
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possesions and gooods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44-47 NKJV
What a sight it must have been in the early days of the church of Jesus. The followers of the risen Lord gathered daily to felllowship and praise God. Far from sharing time together, these early believers were sharing life together. These weren't some of the shy, loner christians that we see today. No, these guys were gathering in community with one another daily. I'm guessing there was an air of excitement among the followers of Jesus in those days, and it was indeed evident. I've rarely seen this level of enthusiasm among christians in my time. I remember asking a freiend of mine if this type of community would be possible among believers today. He agreed that we could, but that our society would need a few changes.
One of the catch phrases in modern christianity is that of "community." Basicaly, christians gathering to share their lives together. This isn't just on Sundays or "Bible Study" evenings, but each day of the week. I'm thinking that this would be a culture shock to most people, myself included. Not only that, but I'm thinking the NFL television ratings for Sunday games would hit an all time low. I can see it now, people gathering on a Sunday morning with no thought of just how quick they can exit the church! Believe me, I've been there. My idea of a Sunday morning was used to be a obligatory visit to Gods house and a few handshakes with people I only saw on Sunday. After that, it was back to my "normal" Sunday of football and relaxation. I bristled at the very thought that I should spend more than an hour in church. Church had become more of a imposition on my time than a community of beleivers, something I was compelled to do rather than a heartfelt desire on my part. As a result, I became burned out on the traditional idea of church.
But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.
Philemon 1: 14 NKJV
God has the outright ability to make us do anything that he wants, but what good would that be? I believe that our Lords desire is for his creation to DESIRE to commune with him and do his will. Looking at the early church in Acts 2, that's exactly what was going on.
I mentioned that my idea of church was being compelled to attend a weekly meeting, but only for a time I deemed necessary. I shudder to think of how my life would become should God develop such an attitude towards me! Would He feel "compelled" to listen to my prayers, take an interest in my life or even guarantee my salvation? Thankfully my Gods love and grace supercedes my own selfishness. He loves me in spite of myself, and THAT is the essence of his grace. So, where did my failed idea of a Sunday worship get me? Well, I lost out on many of the personal connections I would have made had I stepped outside of my comfort zone and became a part of Gods community. After all, isn't that what community is all about?
~Scott~
Acts 2: 44-47 NKJV
What a sight it must have been in the early days of the church of Jesus. The followers of the risen Lord gathered daily to felllowship and praise God. Far from sharing time together, these early believers were sharing life together. These weren't some of the shy, loner christians that we see today. No, these guys were gathering in community with one another daily. I'm guessing there was an air of excitement among the followers of Jesus in those days, and it was indeed evident. I've rarely seen this level of enthusiasm among christians in my time. I remember asking a freiend of mine if this type of community would be possible among believers today. He agreed that we could, but that our society would need a few changes.
One of the catch phrases in modern christianity is that of "community." Basicaly, christians gathering to share their lives together. This isn't just on Sundays or "Bible Study" evenings, but each day of the week. I'm thinking that this would be a culture shock to most people, myself included. Not only that, but I'm thinking the NFL television ratings for Sunday games would hit an all time low. I can see it now, people gathering on a Sunday morning with no thought of just how quick they can exit the church! Believe me, I've been there. My idea of a Sunday morning was used to be a obligatory visit to Gods house and a few handshakes with people I only saw on Sunday. After that, it was back to my "normal" Sunday of football and relaxation. I bristled at the very thought that I should spend more than an hour in church. Church had become more of a imposition on my time than a community of beleivers, something I was compelled to do rather than a heartfelt desire on my part. As a result, I became burned out on the traditional idea of church.
But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.
Philemon 1: 14 NKJV
God has the outright ability to make us do anything that he wants, but what good would that be? I believe that our Lords desire is for his creation to DESIRE to commune with him and do his will. Looking at the early church in Acts 2, that's exactly what was going on.
I mentioned that my idea of church was being compelled to attend a weekly meeting, but only for a time I deemed necessary. I shudder to think of how my life would become should God develop such an attitude towards me! Would He feel "compelled" to listen to my prayers, take an interest in my life or even guarantee my salvation? Thankfully my Gods love and grace supercedes my own selfishness. He loves me in spite of myself, and THAT is the essence of his grace. So, where did my failed idea of a Sunday worship get me? Well, I lost out on many of the personal connections I would have made had I stepped outside of my comfort zone and became a part of Gods community. After all, isn't that what community is all about?
~Scott~
Monday, December 14, 2015
A Mutual Understanding
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 11-13 NKJV
I've always wanted to have a personal conversation with God. Yes, many will say that it's possible to have a conversation with God any time we wish, but this is different. I want a face to face conversation with my creator. I want someone that I can see, hear and speak to. Is this too much to ask? The bible says that when we seek God out, that we will find him. It can't be all too hard of a task, right? I mean, isn't God always there with us?
In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the begining with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1: 1-4 NKJV
So, what would my conversation with God be like? Well, I've thought about it alot and I've come to the conclusion that God and I need to come to a mutual understanding. See, even though I've been redeemed by the love and mercy of God, this earthly vessel that Jesus now inhabits still desires to have it's own way.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing goood dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7: 18-19 NKJV
Remember Paul? Yeah, that guy who was brought to his knees by Jesus, on the road to Damascus that day. By his own admission, Paul was "chief" of the worlds sinners. And why wouldn't he feel this way, he was one of the main persecutors of the early church. Yet, despite all the wickedness that Saul had directed at his church, Jesus loved Saul enough to wash away his transgressions. My conversation with God is going to be a difficult one for sure. So, in my quiet time, which is not very often these days, I call to him.
God, thank you for thinking so much of your child that you would see through me to see there is good in me, even though at times I doubt it myself. From the begining of time, you held close the plans that you have for me. When others doubted and ridiculed me, you held me close. When I felt alone and abandoned, you assured me that you were near. Most of all, when this vessel that your son Jesus now inhabits desired to go it's own way, you waited patiently for me to return to you. There will never be a greater love than this, that you would give your very life for me! So God, that brings me to my question. You, more than anyone, know the heart of your child. So I'm asking, Lord God, if we can have a mutual understanding you and I. Rather than a bet, for who would be foolish enough to wager against the Lord? No, this is simply a mutual understanding between us. I will continue to attempt to live each day that you give me in your presence. In return, please realize that, even though your son lives within me, this earthly vessel will wander at times.
~Scott~
Jeremiah 29: 11-13 NKJV
I've always wanted to have a personal conversation with God. Yes, many will say that it's possible to have a conversation with God any time we wish, but this is different. I want a face to face conversation with my creator. I want someone that I can see, hear and speak to. Is this too much to ask? The bible says that when we seek God out, that we will find him. It can't be all too hard of a task, right? I mean, isn't God always there with us?
In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the begining with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1: 1-4 NKJV
So, what would my conversation with God be like? Well, I've thought about it alot and I've come to the conclusion that God and I need to come to a mutual understanding. See, even though I've been redeemed by the love and mercy of God, this earthly vessel that Jesus now inhabits still desires to have it's own way.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing goood dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7: 18-19 NKJV
Remember Paul? Yeah, that guy who was brought to his knees by Jesus, on the road to Damascus that day. By his own admission, Paul was "chief" of the worlds sinners. And why wouldn't he feel this way, he was one of the main persecutors of the early church. Yet, despite all the wickedness that Saul had directed at his church, Jesus loved Saul enough to wash away his transgressions. My conversation with God is going to be a difficult one for sure. So, in my quiet time, which is not very often these days, I call to him.
God, thank you for thinking so much of your child that you would see through me to see there is good in me, even though at times I doubt it myself. From the begining of time, you held close the plans that you have for me. When others doubted and ridiculed me, you held me close. When I felt alone and abandoned, you assured me that you were near. Most of all, when this vessel that your son Jesus now inhabits desired to go it's own way, you waited patiently for me to return to you. There will never be a greater love than this, that you would give your very life for me! So God, that brings me to my question. You, more than anyone, know the heart of your child. So I'm asking, Lord God, if we can have a mutual understanding you and I. Rather than a bet, for who would be foolish enough to wager against the Lord? No, this is simply a mutual understanding between us. I will continue to attempt to live each day that you give me in your presence. In return, please realize that, even though your son lives within me, this earthly vessel will wander at times.
~Scott~
Saturday, December 12, 2015
When Men Will Follow
"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none."
Ezekiel 22:30 NKJV
I've lost track of just how many christian books there are out there on the market on what it takes to be a man of God. Trouble is, what does it take to be a man of God? Do we necessarily need to make some author rich to find the answer to this question? I think we can go that route, but we may be disapointed in what we find. The truth is, if one wishes to be learn about what it takes to be a man of God, why not learn from He who created man?
Blessed is the man who walks not in the councel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in his law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, That brings forth it's fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does he shall prosper.
Psalm 1: 1-3 NKJV
Does this sound like a good description of a man of God? When we talk of going to God for a definition of a man, this may be what we get. Obviously, there may be more to this definition, but it's a good place to start in our search for what a true Godly man is.
In Ezekiel 22:30 we find that we're not the only ones who have sought for a Godly man. Our Lord God also looked and , in this case, unsuccessfully. So, where are we in our search for "making" men of God? I think it's funny that we've turned our focus from one of engaging men in Christ to that of somehow recruiting men to follow God. The old monicker of the "Christian soldier" may have had something to do with this. Often we resort to the tactics of a military recruiter of a football coach in order to drive men to God. I'm sorry, but this seems more like compelling someone to join a cause rather than realize the freedom and forgiveness of Jesus. It's true that, as christians, we fight a daily spiritual battle, but our belief and faith is not based on a militaristic ideal. It is not I, but God, who will fight my battles!
I believe that I am a child, no, a MAN of God. It isn't a slew of books or hooo rahh lectures that has brought me to this point in my life. No, what has brought me to realize my life in Christ is the encouragement and engagement of more than a few other Godly men in my life. Jesus never compelled others to follow him, he simply shared life with them. As he traveled, his ministry grew. I believe the desire to learn of the love of our Lord Jesus lies in the heart of every man. Those of us who have Jesus within us can bring a life changing message.
~Scott~
Ezekiel 22:30 NKJV
I've lost track of just how many christian books there are out there on the market on what it takes to be a man of God. Trouble is, what does it take to be a man of God? Do we necessarily need to make some author rich to find the answer to this question? I think we can go that route, but we may be disapointed in what we find. The truth is, if one wishes to be learn about what it takes to be a man of God, why not learn from He who created man?
Blessed is the man who walks not in the councel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in his law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, That brings forth it's fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does he shall prosper.
Psalm 1: 1-3 NKJV
Does this sound like a good description of a man of God? When we talk of going to God for a definition of a man, this may be what we get. Obviously, there may be more to this definition, but it's a good place to start in our search for what a true Godly man is.
In Ezekiel 22:30 we find that we're not the only ones who have sought for a Godly man. Our Lord God also looked and , in this case, unsuccessfully. So, where are we in our search for "making" men of God? I think it's funny that we've turned our focus from one of engaging men in Christ to that of somehow recruiting men to follow God. The old monicker of the "Christian soldier" may have had something to do with this. Often we resort to the tactics of a military recruiter of a football coach in order to drive men to God. I'm sorry, but this seems more like compelling someone to join a cause rather than realize the freedom and forgiveness of Jesus. It's true that, as christians, we fight a daily spiritual battle, but our belief and faith is not based on a militaristic ideal. It is not I, but God, who will fight my battles!
I believe that I am a child, no, a MAN of God. It isn't a slew of books or hooo rahh lectures that has brought me to this point in my life. No, what has brought me to realize my life in Christ is the encouragement and engagement of more than a few other Godly men in my life. Jesus never compelled others to follow him, he simply shared life with them. As he traveled, his ministry grew. I believe the desire to learn of the love of our Lord Jesus lies in the heart of every man. Those of us who have Jesus within us can bring a life changing message.
~Scott~
Friday, December 11, 2015
A Man Such As Myself
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
Much has been made of the divine birth of our Lord Jesus, and rightly so. The glorious son of our living God, born in all humbleness outdoors in a manger. It's my belief that God brought the savior of all mankind into this world in such a way to exhibit this very humbleness. One thing that we often forget is that our Lord Jesus was human by birth even though he carried that heredity of our heavenly father within him. We must first understand just why it is that Jesus, being God, was placed in that manger in Bethlehem in the first place.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
I think most everyone understands that Jesus' purpose here among us on earth was to be the sin burden for a sinful mankind. Ever since Adam and Eve gave into the enticemments of satan and allowed sin to enter the world, God had been working to reconcile his creation back to himself. Enter the key component of Gods holy plan for our salvation.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53: 5-6 NKJV
That sin, our sins of the past, present and future were placed on the shoulders of this man Jesus. Could the sin burden of the entire world indeed be placed on one man? Well, that's exactly what happened here.
In Hebrews 4:15 Paul tells us that not only do we have loving high priest, but one who can sympathize with me and my human condition. Jesus, being God, being man AND God is able to comfort us having been through the same turmoil that we ourselves endure. We've all had those times where we've felt as if we are the only ones who have ever endured the suffering we are going through. Lifes trials have a way of doing that to someone. One thing that I am definately sure of beyond all doubt, none of us has ever endured the suffering that was inflicted on our Lord Jesus on our behalf.
For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Hebrews 12:3-4 NKJV
Whenever you question just why life is going the way it is, remember that Jesus bled, and died that you would be free. This was indeed God on that cross, but also a man like me.
~Scott~
Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
Much has been made of the divine birth of our Lord Jesus, and rightly so. The glorious son of our living God, born in all humbleness outdoors in a manger. It's my belief that God brought the savior of all mankind into this world in such a way to exhibit this very humbleness. One thing that we often forget is that our Lord Jesus was human by birth even though he carried that heredity of our heavenly father within him. We must first understand just why it is that Jesus, being God, was placed in that manger in Bethlehem in the first place.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
I think most everyone understands that Jesus' purpose here among us on earth was to be the sin burden for a sinful mankind. Ever since Adam and Eve gave into the enticemments of satan and allowed sin to enter the world, God had been working to reconcile his creation back to himself. Enter the key component of Gods holy plan for our salvation.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53: 5-6 NKJV
That sin, our sins of the past, present and future were placed on the shoulders of this man Jesus. Could the sin burden of the entire world indeed be placed on one man? Well, that's exactly what happened here.
In Hebrews 4:15 Paul tells us that not only do we have loving high priest, but one who can sympathize with me and my human condition. Jesus, being God, being man AND God is able to comfort us having been through the same turmoil that we ourselves endure. We've all had those times where we've felt as if we are the only ones who have ever endured the suffering we are going through. Lifes trials have a way of doing that to someone. One thing that I am definately sure of beyond all doubt, none of us has ever endured the suffering that was inflicted on our Lord Jesus on our behalf.
For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Hebrews 12:3-4 NKJV
Whenever you question just why life is going the way it is, remember that Jesus bled, and died that you would be free. This was indeed God on that cross, but also a man like me.
~Scott~
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Follow The Leader
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Matthew 28: 19-20 NKJV
Much has been said of Jesus' final instructions to his disciples. Indeed, Jesus asked these men to "Go and make disciples" of all the nations, teaching them in all that Jesus had commanded them. We've put so much emphasis on these final instructions through the ages, that we've developed countless programs and teachings on just how to "Disciple" someone. So, exactly what is discipleship? And, is this, by definition, what Jesus calls us to go into the world and do? For starters, we may want to start with a simple definition in the parlance of the times of jesus, as this is the time frame that we're concerned with here.
The Greek term "Mathetes" refers generally to any "student," "pupil," or "apprentice," or "adherent," as opposed to a "teacher." In the ancient world, however, it was most often used to describe followers of a great religious leader or philosopher.
So, we know that in Jesus' day the term "disciple" was a term used to describe a student or follower of a great spiritual leader. Granted, Jesus is recognized as one of the key religious leaders in history, even to those who don't particularly agree with him. Could it be, then, that the command that Jesus gave to his own "disciples" that day was that they would make "followers" of the risen Christ throughout all the nations? This seems appropriate given the definitition of the term in that day. Did Jesus instruct his followers to go forth into all the nations and administer a discipleship program of some sort? No, he simply invited these men to go and make disciples, make followers of all the nations.
Over time, Jesus' "Great commision" as it is called has inspired people in countless efforts to bring the world into "discipleship." What program do we need to make disciples of the world? In better terms, what program is best suited for making followers of our Lord Jesus in this world? I'll tell you one approach that doesn't require a program, video series or even a lecture...that is engaging those around us about Jesus! That's it, just telling others around us about Jesus and the difference he's made in our lives personally. Our very testamony of the freedom we now have in Christ Jesus can work wonders in the life of another. Not only that, but others will surely notice the love and grace of Jesus as he exhibits himself through us. As a very dear friend and mentor of mine recently told me, our testimonies are not weighed by the clever words we write but by the qualities of Jesus that others see in us.
~Scott~
Matthew 28: 19-20 NKJV
Much has been said of Jesus' final instructions to his disciples. Indeed, Jesus asked these men to "Go and make disciples" of all the nations, teaching them in all that Jesus had commanded them. We've put so much emphasis on these final instructions through the ages, that we've developed countless programs and teachings on just how to "Disciple" someone. So, exactly what is discipleship? And, is this, by definition, what Jesus calls us to go into the world and do? For starters, we may want to start with a simple definition in the parlance of the times of jesus, as this is the time frame that we're concerned with here.
The Greek term "Mathetes" refers generally to any "student," "pupil," or "apprentice," or "adherent," as opposed to a "teacher." In the ancient world, however, it was most often used to describe followers of a great religious leader or philosopher.
So, we know that in Jesus' day the term "disciple" was a term used to describe a student or follower of a great spiritual leader. Granted, Jesus is recognized as one of the key religious leaders in history, even to those who don't particularly agree with him. Could it be, then, that the command that Jesus gave to his own "disciples" that day was that they would make "followers" of the risen Christ throughout all the nations? This seems appropriate given the definitition of the term in that day. Did Jesus instruct his followers to go forth into all the nations and administer a discipleship program of some sort? No, he simply invited these men to go and make disciples, make followers of all the nations.
Over time, Jesus' "Great commision" as it is called has inspired people in countless efforts to bring the world into "discipleship." What program do we need to make disciples of the world? In better terms, what program is best suited for making followers of our Lord Jesus in this world? I'll tell you one approach that doesn't require a program, video series or even a lecture...that is engaging those around us about Jesus! That's it, just telling others around us about Jesus and the difference he's made in our lives personally. Our very testamony of the freedom we now have in Christ Jesus can work wonders in the life of another. Not only that, but others will surely notice the love and grace of Jesus as he exhibits himself through us. As a very dear friend and mentor of mine recently told me, our testimonies are not weighed by the clever words we write but by the qualities of Jesus that others see in us.
~Scott~
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
The Path To Redemption
And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8 NKJV
Ever had that feeling where you just knew you'd done wrong and all you wanted to do was hide? There's a popular airline commercial featuring people in awkward situations along with the catch phrase "Wanna get away?" Well, that's exactly what Adam and Eve wanted to do that day in the garden, they just wanted to get away, to hide themselves from God. See, sin had just entered mankinds consiousness, now along with it came its byproducts guilt and shame. In one instant, satan had managed to drive a wedge between God and man. Sure, Adam and Eve had relented and taken of that forbidden fruit, but it was their adversary who had initiated those fateful events. Despite this setback, I submit that even this was part of our Lords grand plan for us. How could a totally omniscient God not know that his loved creation would one day turn from him, requiring his intervention of redemption? If we believe that God was there from the begining and that he knows all, then we must accept the fact that he was aware of our sin condition before he created the world.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
In the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, long before his birth in Bethlehem, the prophet tells us about the key to Gods redemption of his creation. The iniquity of all mankind would be placed on the shoulders of one man. Could the sin of the entire world be borne by just one man? For anyone who would doubt this, I submit to you the miracles of our Lord God. Pharoh doubted God, but was made to believe. It was the Lord God who guided his people, the Isrealites, through the desert after delivering them from the armies of the Egyptions. What about the greatest miracle of all, the creation of the world? Yeah, if anyone could pull off the redemption of all mankind it's God. I believe these events were set in motion even before time began. God had a plan to reconcile us to himself once and for all. That close relationship that Adam and Eve shared with God in the garden is available to us today through the shed blood of jesus.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2 NKJV
~Scott~
Genesis 3:8 NKJV
Ever had that feeling where you just knew you'd done wrong and all you wanted to do was hide? There's a popular airline commercial featuring people in awkward situations along with the catch phrase "Wanna get away?" Well, that's exactly what Adam and Eve wanted to do that day in the garden, they just wanted to get away, to hide themselves from God. See, sin had just entered mankinds consiousness, now along with it came its byproducts guilt and shame. In one instant, satan had managed to drive a wedge between God and man. Sure, Adam and Eve had relented and taken of that forbidden fruit, but it was their adversary who had initiated those fateful events. Despite this setback, I submit that even this was part of our Lords grand plan for us. How could a totally omniscient God not know that his loved creation would one day turn from him, requiring his intervention of redemption? If we believe that God was there from the begining and that he knows all, then we must accept the fact that he was aware of our sin condition before he created the world.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
In the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, long before his birth in Bethlehem, the prophet tells us about the key to Gods redemption of his creation. The iniquity of all mankind would be placed on the shoulders of one man. Could the sin of the entire world be borne by just one man? For anyone who would doubt this, I submit to you the miracles of our Lord God. Pharoh doubted God, but was made to believe. It was the Lord God who guided his people, the Isrealites, through the desert after delivering them from the armies of the Egyptions. What about the greatest miracle of all, the creation of the world? Yeah, if anyone could pull off the redemption of all mankind it's God. I believe these events were set in motion even before time began. God had a plan to reconcile us to himself once and for all. That close relationship that Adam and Eve shared with God in the garden is available to us today through the shed blood of jesus.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2 NKJV
~Scott~
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
A Dying Breed
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the begining of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
Matthew 24: 6-9 NKJV
They've been called "The Greatest Generation," those who rose up to defend the world prior to and during the Second World War. I'm thinking that they themselves never thought that what they did was anything special, they just did what they thought was right. Others might argue that these soldiers, these defenders of freedom, were merely just men sent into difficult circumstances. Although this might be true, I've spoken with enough of the men who fought in the difficult days of World War Two to understand that what they did was a act of unselfishness. These young men were not motivated by money, greed or fame but by heeding the call of their nation in it's time of need. One need only realize the mindset of our nation in the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
Up until this point, the United States had been on the sidelines of a world in turmoil. Hitlers Germany was on the march in Europe, and had been since the mid 1930's. The world knew not yet of the horrors of Hitlers "Final Solution" of the extermination of the undesirable peoples of Europe. Instead, our nation was both weary of war and reluctant to get involved in yet another global conflict. The memory of those lost on the Western Front in the First World War was still fresh in our minds. That all changed on December 7th, 1941. In an instant, the war that seemed so distant days before, was now another American war. Across the country, young men flocked to recruiting stations to enlist. This was NOT a draft, these were American volunteers bent on defending their nation from attack. There are more than a few stories out there of men as young as 13 years old signing up to fight for their country. Far from being imperialism as some have suggested, this was American patriotism at it's finest. Their nation was in danger, and her sons responded.
Only 19 years old, William Spring enlisted in the United States army in 1943. Soon, he was thrown into the fields of combat in Europe, serving under the command of General George "Blood and Guts" Patton in the Third Army. On December 16th, 1944, the German army launched their "Unternehmen Wacht Am Rhein" (Operation Watch On The Rhein), commonly refered to as the "Battle of The Bulge" in the Ardennes forrest of Belgium. Although initially caught off guard, allied forces eventually drove back the last major German offensive of the war in Europe on January 25th, 1945. William Spring, although seriously wounded by German shrapnel, survived to return home to Duluth, Minnesota.
I was watching a pre game football show the other night when, during the National Anthem, a small group of men were brought onto the field in memory of the aniversery of that day on December 7th, 1941. These men had been serving at Pearl Harbor the morning of that Japanese attack so long ago. These men were a lot like my uncle Bill, who left home to fight the Germans in Europe in 1943. My uncle Bill passed away in 1999. History will remember the sacrafices of he and his comrades.
~Scott~
Matthew 24: 6-9 NKJV
They've been called "The Greatest Generation," those who rose up to defend the world prior to and during the Second World War. I'm thinking that they themselves never thought that what they did was anything special, they just did what they thought was right. Others might argue that these soldiers, these defenders of freedom, were merely just men sent into difficult circumstances. Although this might be true, I've spoken with enough of the men who fought in the difficult days of World War Two to understand that what they did was a act of unselfishness. These young men were not motivated by money, greed or fame but by heeding the call of their nation in it's time of need. One need only realize the mindset of our nation in the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
Up until this point, the United States had been on the sidelines of a world in turmoil. Hitlers Germany was on the march in Europe, and had been since the mid 1930's. The world knew not yet of the horrors of Hitlers "Final Solution" of the extermination of the undesirable peoples of Europe. Instead, our nation was both weary of war and reluctant to get involved in yet another global conflict. The memory of those lost on the Western Front in the First World War was still fresh in our minds. That all changed on December 7th, 1941. In an instant, the war that seemed so distant days before, was now another American war. Across the country, young men flocked to recruiting stations to enlist. This was NOT a draft, these were American volunteers bent on defending their nation from attack. There are more than a few stories out there of men as young as 13 years old signing up to fight for their country. Far from being imperialism as some have suggested, this was American patriotism at it's finest. Their nation was in danger, and her sons responded.
Only 19 years old, William Spring enlisted in the United States army in 1943. Soon, he was thrown into the fields of combat in Europe, serving under the command of General George "Blood and Guts" Patton in the Third Army. On December 16th, 1944, the German army launched their "Unternehmen Wacht Am Rhein" (Operation Watch On The Rhein), commonly refered to as the "Battle of The Bulge" in the Ardennes forrest of Belgium. Although initially caught off guard, allied forces eventually drove back the last major German offensive of the war in Europe on January 25th, 1945. William Spring, although seriously wounded by German shrapnel, survived to return home to Duluth, Minnesota.
I was watching a pre game football show the other night when, during the National Anthem, a small group of men were brought onto the field in memory of the aniversery of that day on December 7th, 1941. These men had been serving at Pearl Harbor the morning of that Japanese attack so long ago. These men were a lot like my uncle Bill, who left home to fight the Germans in Europe in 1943. My uncle Bill passed away in 1999. History will remember the sacrafices of he and his comrades.
~Scott~
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Who Is She?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV
I recently had a conversation with a freind of mine and the topic of the male/female dynamic came up. We've all been there, a cute girl/guy will come into view and immediately our thoughts race to other places. This was the subject of my question to my friend. Is it wrong to gaze at someone of the opposite sex? My friend, through years of wisdom provided a sound answer. NO, looking is not bad per se, but ask God how he views the object of your gaze. BRILLIANT! Indeed, if my Lord sees me as his loved child, would he not see another person the very same way? Are we so arrogant to believe that we ourselves are the only ones deserving of Gods love and grace? It sounds silly that Jesus died on that cross only for me. I know this to be false. So, if God sees me with love and mercy, his new creation, then obviously he sees the object of our affections the very same way.
I think that we get confused into thinking that when we are attracted to someone of the opposite sex that it is wrong to gaze at that person. Well, I think that is true only if our motives are wrong.
"But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already commited adultry with her in his heart."
Matthew 5:28 NKJV
This teaching by Jesus in the sermon on the mount carries a important message for us. I believe the underlying message here is "what are our thoughts as we gaze at someone we're attracted to?" Are those thoughts something our God would approve of? Or, are we simply seeking to satisfy the flesh? Remember, as Jesus is alive and well inside every believer, whatever we see, Jesus sees! Which brings another thought into consideration, how does our Lord Jesus see that person we're looking at? Again, if we believe that Jesus sees us as Gods loved and redeemed child, then obviously he would see the object of our affection the very same way. We ourselves haven't cornered the market on Gods love. He loves us all and desires EVERYONE to be saved.
So, as I walk along the path of my daily life and I see a girl who I like, what is my thought process? Who is this wonderful person who has caught my eye? Well, like me she is a loved and cherished child of our Lord God.
~Scott~
2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV
I recently had a conversation with a freind of mine and the topic of the male/female dynamic came up. We've all been there, a cute girl/guy will come into view and immediately our thoughts race to other places. This was the subject of my question to my friend. Is it wrong to gaze at someone of the opposite sex? My friend, through years of wisdom provided a sound answer. NO, looking is not bad per se, but ask God how he views the object of your gaze. BRILLIANT! Indeed, if my Lord sees me as his loved child, would he not see another person the very same way? Are we so arrogant to believe that we ourselves are the only ones deserving of Gods love and grace? It sounds silly that Jesus died on that cross only for me. I know this to be false. So, if God sees me with love and mercy, his new creation, then obviously he sees the object of our affections the very same way.
I think that we get confused into thinking that when we are attracted to someone of the opposite sex that it is wrong to gaze at that person. Well, I think that is true only if our motives are wrong.
"But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already commited adultry with her in his heart."
Matthew 5:28 NKJV
This teaching by Jesus in the sermon on the mount carries a important message for us. I believe the underlying message here is "what are our thoughts as we gaze at someone we're attracted to?" Are those thoughts something our God would approve of? Or, are we simply seeking to satisfy the flesh? Remember, as Jesus is alive and well inside every believer, whatever we see, Jesus sees! Which brings another thought into consideration, how does our Lord Jesus see that person we're looking at? Again, if we believe that Jesus sees us as Gods loved and redeemed child, then obviously he would see the object of our affection the very same way. We ourselves haven't cornered the market on Gods love. He loves us all and desires EVERYONE to be saved.
So, as I walk along the path of my daily life and I see a girl who I like, what is my thought process? Who is this wonderful person who has caught my eye? Well, like me she is a loved and cherished child of our Lord God.
~Scott~
Finding Friendship
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Eccclesiastes 4: 9-12 NKJV
It's been said that he who finds a friend finds a good thing. I tend to agree with this. Who of us can count on one hand the number of true good friendships we've developed? I'd venture to say that a trusted friend is worth more than any money we could come across. Personally, I count four men in my life who I would trust with my very life. I can turn to them with any issue that I'm having and I can trust them to know God well enough to give me wise guidance. In a world filled more often than not with sinful people, it is comforting to know that we have someone that we can turn to.
Our Lord Jesus had friends as well. Indeed, he counted his twelve disciples among his greatest friends. These men walked, lived and shared their lives together for a significant time during Jesus' ministry here on earth. In fact, upon his resurection, these friends of Jesus became some of the greatest defenders of the gospel the world has ever known. It was also because of their friendship with Jesus that a good number of these men lost their lives. I would suggest that even after the resurection of their Lord and teacher, that these men gave their lives for Jesus!
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from my father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the father in my name he may give you.
John 15: 12-16 NKJV
My brothers, what a friend we have in Jesus!
~Scott~
Eccclesiastes 4: 9-12 NKJV
It's been said that he who finds a friend finds a good thing. I tend to agree with this. Who of us can count on one hand the number of true good friendships we've developed? I'd venture to say that a trusted friend is worth more than any money we could come across. Personally, I count four men in my life who I would trust with my very life. I can turn to them with any issue that I'm having and I can trust them to know God well enough to give me wise guidance. In a world filled more often than not with sinful people, it is comforting to know that we have someone that we can turn to.
Our Lord Jesus had friends as well. Indeed, he counted his twelve disciples among his greatest friends. These men walked, lived and shared their lives together for a significant time during Jesus' ministry here on earth. In fact, upon his resurection, these friends of Jesus became some of the greatest defenders of the gospel the world has ever known. It was also because of their friendship with Jesus that a good number of these men lost their lives. I would suggest that even after the resurection of their Lord and teacher, that these men gave their lives for Jesus!
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from my father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the father in my name he may give you.
John 15: 12-16 NKJV
My brothers, what a friend we have in Jesus!
~Scott~
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